US-Nepal News / US ends Nepal's temporary protected status, know what it is?

US-Nepal News: The US has decided to end the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) given to Nepal, which has increased the difficulties of thousands of Nepali citizens living in America. According to the notification of the US Home Ministry, this status will formally end on June 24, 2025 and will not be extended after that. This may force about 7,000 Nepali citizens to leave America.

Why did Nepal get TPS?

This status was given to Nepal after the devastating earthquake in April 2015. Thousands of people were killed in that natural disaster and the country's infrastructure was badly damaged. In such a situation, the US provided TPS on humanitarian grounds, so that Nepali citizens could live and work legally in America. This facility has been renewed in 18-18 month cycles, but now it has been decided to end it.

How many people will be affected?

According to official figures, about 12,700 Nepali citizens currently have TPS in the US. More than 5,500 of these people have already become legal permanent residents (Green Card Holder) in the US. However, the remaining approximately 7,000 Nepali citizens will now have to obtain alternative legal status or they may have to leave the US and return to Nepal.

What was said by the US?

US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that after the end of TPS, citizens will be given an additional period of 60 days, i.e. till August 5, 2025, so that they can review their situation or prepare to return home. He said that the situation in Nepal has now become normal, which has eliminated the basic need to maintain TPS.

Concern of human rights organizations

However, this decision has been criticized by many human rights organizations and migrant rights groups. They say that even though the situation in Nepal is not an emergency like the earthquake, the socio-economic challenges are still serious. Nepali citizens living in the U.S. have been part of the local society and economy for many years, and asking them to suddenly leave the country could create a humanitarian crisis.