What's Happening?
Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-NY), alongside Reps. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), is leading a bipartisan congressional effort to urge the Department of Homeland Security and the White House to consider a new Temporary Protected Status
(TPS) designation for Nepali nationals in the U.S. This initiative follows devastating floods and mudflows in Nepal that have resulted in over 1,400 deaths, thousands missing, and billions in estimated damages. Two U.S.-based advocacy organizations, United for TPS Nepal (UTPSN) and Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL), are spearheading a campaign in Washington to gather congressional support for a letter requesting this new TPS designation. As of September 21, 22 additional members of Congress, including two Republicans, had signed the letter, with UTPSN reporting a total of 36 additional signers.
Why It's Important?
This bipartisan effort is crucial for providing humanitarian relief and stability to an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 Nepali nationals currently in the U.S., many of whom are on nonimmigrant visas or other temporary statuses. A new TPS designation would allow eligible Nepalis to remain and work legally in the U.S. while their home country recovers from the catastrophic disaster. This not only offers immediate protection but also facilitates remittances, which are vital for Nepal's recovery, having constituted 35.8% of its GDP in fiscal year 2025-26. The advocacy groups emphasize that TPS is a temporary humanitarian protection, not a path to permanent residency, designed for countries facing extraordinary conditions that make safe return difficult. The initiative highlights the U.S.'s role in international humanitarian aid and immigration policy in response to global crises.
What's Next?
The advocacy organizations are actively seeking additional congressional support for the letter, with a deadline of 5 p.m. Eastern time on Wednesday, September 23. They are also urging U.S.-registered nonprofit organizations to endorse the congressional letter. Concurrently, they are pressing the Nepali government to formally request the U.S. government for the new TPS designation and to engage directly with Washington on this matter. A decision on whether to grant TPS for Nepal will ultimately rest with the U.S. government, based on federal immigration law requirements and the assessment of conditions in Nepal. The outcome will significantly impact the lives of thousands of Nepali nationals in the U.S. and contribute to Nepal's long-term recovery efforts.
Beyond the Headlines
The push for a new TPS designation for Nepal underscores the complex interplay between natural disasters, immigration policy, and international relations. The reliance on remittances for Nepal's economic stability highlights the globalized nature of economies and the significant role diasporas play in supporting their home countries during crises. This situation also brings to light the ethical considerations of returning individuals to a country grappling with widespread destruction and humanitarian needs, potentially exacerbating an already dire situation. The bipartisan nature of the congressional support demonstrates that humanitarian concerns can sometimes transcend political divides, fostering cooperation on issues of global significance. The precedent set by the 2015 earthquake, which also led to a TPS designation for Nepal, provides a historical context for the current request, emphasizing the long-term commitment required for post-disaster recovery.
