US Ends Temporary Protected Status for Nepal Amid Changing Conditions
After nearly a decade, the United States is officially ending the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Nepal. The decision, confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), means that thousands of Nepalese nationals currently residing in the US under TPS will need to prepare to return home.
What is TPS and Why Was Nepal Designated?
Temporary Protected Status is a humanitarian measure that allows nationals of countries facing extraordinary conditions—such as natural disasters or armed conflict—to live and work legally in the US for a temporary period.
Nepal was granted TPS on June 24, 2015, following the devastating earthquake that severely impacted living conditions across the country. Originally authorized for 18 months, TPS for Nepal was extended several times over the years to accommodate ongoing recovery challenges.
Termination of Nepal TPS: What It Means
The DHS announced on June 7, 2025, that TPS for Nepal will not be renewed beyond its expiration date of June 24, 2025. According to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, beneficiaries will receive a 60-day transition window, ending on August 5, to arrange their affairs.
Approximately 12,700 Nepalese nationals currently hold TPS status, and more than 5,500 have adjusted their status to become legal permanent residents in the US. Consequently, an estimated over 7,000 individuals will be required to return to Nepal once the program concludes.
DHS Statement on the Decision
The department noted that after a comprehensive review of country conditions and extensive consultations with US agencies, Nepal no longer meets the criteria that warranted TPS designation. In line with statutory requirements, the TPS status has been terminated.
Implications and Next Steps for Affected Individuals
- TPS beneficiaries should use the 60-day transition period to plan for departure or explore alternative immigration options.
- Many may face challenges readjusting to life in Nepal after extended absences and should seek support services upon return.
- Community organizations and legal experts recommend affected individuals consult immigration counsel to understand their rights and any possible relief.
While this chapter closes for many Nepalese TPS holders, the humanitarian context that led to the original designation has evolved, prompting the US government’s decision to end the temporary protection.
