The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Nepal will officially terminate on August 5, 2025, according to a recent federal announcement. This decision means Nepalese beneficiaries will no longer be able to apply for new TPS protections or renew existing status, leaving tens of thousands to confront imminent immigration challenges.
Key Deadline: All Nepalese TPS holders must prepare for the program's termination by August 5, 2025. While Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) originally expiring on June 24, 2025, will receive automatic extensions through the termination date, all protections will cease thereafter.
Understanding the Implications
TPS, a humanitarian program established by the U.S. government, provides temporary legal status to nationals of countries experiencing natural disasters or extraordinary conditions. Nepal originally qualified following the devastating 2015 earthquakes that killed nearly 9,000 people and displaced millions.
With the program's termination, affected individuals will face three critical changes:
- Loss of legal immigration status in the United States
- Invalidation of TPS-based work permits
- Potential exposure to deportation proceedings
Urgent Recommendations for TPS Holders
Immigration experts strongly advise Nepalese TPS beneficiaries to take immediate action:
1. Consult an immigration attorney: Schedule a comprehensive case evaluation to explore alternative legal pathways, including family-based petitions, employment visas, or other humanitarian protections.
2. Document your presence: Gather evidence of continuous U.S. residence since your TPS designation began, as this may support future immigration applications.
3. Monitor legislative developments: Congressional action could potentially extend protections, though no such measures are currently pending.
Broader Impact
The termination affects approximately 15,000 Nepalese nationals and their families, many of whom have established deep community ties during their nine years of protected status. Advocacy groups warn that sudden loss of legal status could separate families and disrupt local economies where Nepalese workers form essential labor forces.
For those ineligible for other immigration options, preparation may include arranging for potential return to Nepal or exploring third-country relocation possibilities. The U.S. State Department continues to monitor Nepal's recovery progress, though officials maintain the country no longer meets the extraordinary conditions required for TPS designation.
As the deadline approaches, community organizations are hosting informational sessions and legal clinics to assist affected individuals. All Nepalese TPS holders are urged to act promptly rather than wait until the final months of their protected status.