On April 26, 2018, Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen announced the termination of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Nepal [PDF version]. This decision was based on the conclusion that “the disruption of living conditions in Nepal from the April 2015 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks that served as the basis for the TPS designation for Nepal have decreased to a degree that they should no longer be regarded as substantial, and Nepal can now adequately manage the return of its nationals.” Nepal’s current TPS designation began on June 24, 2015.
Nepal’s current TPS extension runs through June 24, 2018. In order to ensure an orderly transition for Nepal TPS beneficiaries, Secretary Nielsen determined that the termination of Nepal TPS would be delayed for 12 months. Accordingly, the TPS designation for Nepal will terminate on June 24, 2019.
Beneficiaries of Nepal TPS who have a separate legal basis to remain in the United States when the designation of TPS for Nepal expires will be allowed to do so. Those who lack a separate basis for remaining in the United States besides TPS will have to depart. Beneficiaries of Nepal TPS who already have a separate immigration status or basis to remain in the United States should seek guidance on maintaining such status. Those who do not have a separate status other than Nepal TPS should consult with an experienced immigration attorney for case-specific guidance on whether they have any immigration options available before the expiration of Nepal TPS. Those who intend to return to Nepal should ensure that they have their affairs in order prior to the June 24, 2019, expiration of Nepal TPS.
Current beneficiaries of Nepal TPS will have to re-register for TPS and seek employment authorization in advance of June 24, 2019, in order to maintain TPS benefits and employment eligibility. The DHS will publish additional information in the Federal Register. We will update the site as more information becomes available.
There are reportedly about 9,000 current Nepal TPS beneficiaries.1
