Thousands of Nepalis in US Face Deportation Risk After Federal Court Ruling on TPS Status

Kathmandu. Thousands of Nepalis who moved to the United States a decade ago to escape the tragedy of an earthquake are now at risk of losing their legal status. Following a recent order from a US federal appeals court, the residency of approximately seven thousand Nepali citizens who were receiving protection under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is now in jeopardy.

These Nepalis are now forced to confront the possibility of deportation after the court decided not to block the government from proceeding with the TPS termination process. Analysts suggest this decision has given legal backing to the stricter immigration measures put forward by the Trump administration.

The US granted TPS benefits to Nepalis on humanitarian grounds following the devastating earthquake in Nepal in 2015. Based on this status, they were able to live and work in the US. However, this protection, which has been renewed for years, now appears to be heading towards termination.

The US Department of Homeland Security has concluded that conditions in relevant countries, including Nepal, are gradually normalizing. According to the ministry, citizens of those countries are now in a position to return home. It is reported that the decision to remove TPS was based on this assessment.

Meanwhile, immigrant rights activists have objected to the decision, arguing that post-earthquake reconstruction and the economic situation have not yet fully stabilized. They have warned that the termination of TPS will create a serious humanitarian crisis for thousands of families.

Although the final verdict from the court is still pending, the latest order has increased fear and uncertainty within the Nepali community dependent on TPS.