KATHMANDU: The US government has decided to terminate the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) provided to citizens of several countries, including Nepal, putting Nepali nationals residing in the United States under the program at risk.
According to US immigration authorities, Nepal’s TPS designation had technically expired a year ago. However, a final decision on whether to extend or fully revoke it had remained pending.
The US administration has now concluded that there is no legal basis to maintain TPS for Nepali nationals and officially ended the facility.
Under the TPS program, citizens unable to return safely to their home countries due to ongoing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions were granted temporary authorization to live, work, and remain protected from deportation in the US.
With the termination of the status, Nepali nationals who do not hold another valid immigration status may now face deportation or be required to leave the country.
The move has heightened uncertainty and vulnerability among Nepali immigrants relying on TPS.
The US government announced that alongside Nepal, TPS protections are also being terminated for citizens of Haiti, Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, Cameroon, Honduras, Nicaragua, Venezuela, South Sudan, Myanmar, Somalia, and Ethiopia.
TPS is a temporary legal protection granted by the US to citizens of affected countries under extraordinary circumstances.
The status does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship and is offered only for a designated limited period.
