Saturday, March 29, 2025
Washington, June 6, 2025 – In a controversial immigration policy move, former U.S. President Donald Trump has revoked the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nepalese citizens living in the United States. The decision affects over 12,700 Nepalese immigrants, who may now be forced to leave the country within 60 days.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released an official notice stating that the TPS designation for Nepal has been terminated. The status had been granted following the devastating 2015 earthquake, which left large parts of the country in ruins. However, the Trump administration now argues that Nepal has made significant progress in post-disaster recovery and is capable of managing the return of its citizens.
The notice, endorsed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, cited “improved disaster response capacity and reconstruction” as reasons for ending the protection. “Nepal is now considered capable of handling the reintegration of returnees,” the statement said.
TPS had allowed thousands of Nepalese nationals to live and work in the U.S. legally while being shielded from deportation. Approximately 5,500 of these individuals already possess green cards, but the remaining majority are now under pressure to leave.
This policy shift is part of a broader crackdown on immigration. Earlier this year, the Trump administration rescinded TPS for Haitians and Afghans as well, leaving thousands of immigrants vulnerable to deportation. With this latest move, Nepal joins a growing list of countries that have lost TPS under Trump’s renewed national security agenda.
Critics argue the decision disregards the socioeconomic challenges still faced by many in Nepal. Immigration rights groups are calling it an “unjustified and politically motivated” measure, especially considering Nepal’s strategic position in South Asia and its proximity to India and China.
The revocation comes amid a larger wave of restrictive travel and immigration policies. The Trump administration recently imposed new travel bans affecting 19 countries, mainly in Africa and West Asia. This adds to Trump’s legacy of tightening immigration rules, particularly targeting countries with majority-Muslim populations or those perceived as unstable.
As of now, affected Nepalese nationals have been given a 60-day window to prepare for departure, renew legal options, or face removal proceedings. Legal aid groups have urged those impacted to consult immigration attorneys immediately.
This development may further strain U.S.-Nepal relations and raises questions about the United States’ humanitarian commitments under the changing global political climate.
