For thousands of Nepali residents in the U.S., Temporary Protected Status has been a lifeline. With its scheduled termination in 2025, families confront the prospect of losing legal standing and work authorization.

Nepali communities across the United States are bracing for unprecedented challenges as the expiration date for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) approaches. The program, which currently shields approximately 15,000 Nepali nationals from deportation, is set to terminate on August 5, 2025, leaving recipients vulnerable to losing their legal status and work permits.

A Critical Safety Net

Temporary Protected Status, established in 1990, provides temporary lawful presence and work authorization to nationals of countries experiencing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. Nepal was designated for TPS following the devastating 2015 earthquakes that killed nearly 9,000 people and displaced millions.

For many recipients, TPS has become more than temporary relief—it's the foundation of their American lives. "This isn't just about paperwork," says Sunita Gurung, a TPS holder in Queens, New York. "My children were born here, my job is here, my community is here. Losing status would unravel everything we've built over nine years."

The Looming Crisis

When protections expire, TPS holders who haven't secured alternative immigration status will automatically become undocumented. The consequences are severe: immediate loss of work authorization, driver's licenses in most states, and protection from deportation. Many face the impossible choice between returning to a still-recovering Nepal or living in the shadows in America.

Immigration attorneys report surging inquiries from anxious clients. "We're seeing families where parents have TPS but their U.S.-citizen children don't," explains attorney Rajiv Khanna. "The potential for family separation is very real if parents are forced to leave."

Navigating the Options

Legal experts emphasize that time is of the essence. Key recommendations for TPS holders include:

1. Immigration Status Assessment: Consult an accredited attorney to evaluate eligibility for family-based petitions, employment visas, or humanitarian protections like VAWA or asylum.

2. Community Engagement: Nepali organizations nationwide are hosting know-your-rights workshops and legal clinics. The Nepali American Nurses Association recently launched a TPS task force.

3. Legislative Advocacy: Several bills proposing permanent solutions for TPS holders have been introduced in Congress, though none have gained sufficient traction.

A Race Against Time

With the termination date fixed, community leaders stress the importance of preparation. "We're telling everyone: don't wait until 2024 to make plans," says Purna Shrestha of the Nepali American Center. "The immigration system moves slowly, and August 2025 will be here sooner than we think."

As the clock ticks down, TPS holders balance daily responsibilities with the urgent need to secure their futures. For many, the coming months will determine whether their American dreams endure or dissolve into uncertainty.