Kathmandu: The United States has officially terminated the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) granted to Nepal in the aftermath of the 2015 earthquake, according to a notice issued by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The TPS designation, which shielded thousands of Nepali nationals from deportation and allowed them to work in the US legally, will expire on June 24, 2025, with a 60-day transition period extending through August 5.
The announcement marks the end of a nearly decade-long humanitarian relief measure. TPS was initially extended to Nepali nationals on June 24, 2015, following a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that caused widespread destruction and loss of life.
The status allowed eligible Nepalis to remain in the United States and obtain work authorization due to unsafe conditions in their home country. It was subsequently extended multiple times, most recently in 2016. However, the latest DHS assessment concluded that the original conditions no longer justify the designation.
NEW: Today, DHS announced its decision to rescind the 2017 & 2018 terminations of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations for El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua and extend the TPS designations for those countries for 18 months.
Read more ➡️ https://t.co/FzmIJKFLEX pic.twitter.com/SoO8wO3aEF
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) June 13, 2023
“After reviewing country conditions and consulting with appropriate US government agencies, the secretary has determined that Nepal no longer continues to meet the conditions for its designation for TPS. The secretary, therefore, is terminating the TPS designation of Nepal as required by statute,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
The decision affects an estimated 12,700 Nepali nationals who currently hold TPS. Of those, over 5,500 have already adjusted their status and become legal permanent residents in the US.
However, more than 7,000 Nepalis may now be compelled to return to Nepal unless they qualify for another legal status within the US.
TPS is a humanitarian provision the US offers to nationals of certain countries experiencing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions that temporarily prevent safe return. It is typically granted for up to 18 months at a time, with periodic reviews based on evolving country conditions.
Immigration rights advocates have voiced concern over the sudden withdrawal of TPS protections, warning that many affected Nepalis have built lives, families, and careers in the US since 2015.
The 60-day transition period is intended to give beneficiaries time to arrange travel, seek legal counsel, or adjust their status if eligible.
