After Blumenthal's Request, DHS Grants "Temporary Protected Status' to Nepalese Families Whose Visas Have Expired and Cannot Safely Return Due to Earthquake

Press Release

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) today announced that, after his push, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nepalese nationals currently residing in the United States. After the devastating earthquake in Nepal, Blumenthal urged the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to grant TPS, a temporary benefit aimed at providing relief to foreign nationals in the United States whose country has been devastated by natural disaster or civil strife. This designation allows Nepalese nationals, already in the country, to stay in the U.S. for a set period of time while their home country recovers. In response to past natural disasters, the U.S. has extended TPS to Honduras, Nicaragua and Haiti.

"This temporary measure ensures that Nepalese nationals who, through no fault of their own, were in danger of overstaying their visas, will not be forced to return to unsafe and unstable conditions. Nepalese families living in Connecticut watched from overseas as the April earthquake devastated their homeland--killing thousands and injuring many more. As they continue to struggle to ensure the safety of their family and friends back home, granting Temporary Protected Status is a compassionate and commonsense measure that will provide short-term stability and safety to eligible Nepalese nationals," Blumenthal said.

On April 25th, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake occurred in Nepal, approximately 50 miles northwest of Kathmandu. According to media reports, the earthquake has resulted in roughly 8,700 deaths, including 1,450 in Bhaktapur, Kathmandu and Lalitpur districts, as well as over 10,000 injured people. The UN estimates 8 million people--nearly a third of Nepal's population--are affected by the earthquake. It's estimated that the earthquake destroyed more than 500,000 homes and approximately 2.8 million people countrywide were displaced. During the aftermath of the disaster, the U.S. Department of State recommended that U.S. citizens in Nepal exercise caution when traveling in or planning departure from the country. At present, infrastructure is still fragile in the country and access to basic resources like cell phones and the internet is still limited.

TPS is implemented by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in consultation with the Department of State and is a temporary benefit aimed at providing relief to immigrants residing in the United States who are unable to safely return to their home country. TPS can be granted in the event of an ongoing armed conflict or an environmental disaster, as well as other extraordinary and temporary conditions. Once granted TPS, individuals may not be deported, can obtain an employment authorization document and may be granted travel authorization. In addition, individuals cannot be detained by DHS on the basis of their immigration status. However, TPS does not provide a pathway to a green card or citizenship.

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