Over 187,000 Nepali Green Card Holders in the US, with 75,000 Having Acquired US Citizenship

The number of Nepali-origin individuals obtaining green cards in the United States has been steadily increasing over the years, according to the latest figures from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). As of 2023, approximately 187,854 individuals of Nepali origin have obtained green cards. Moreover, an estimated 75,000 individuals from this population have successfully acquired US citizenship, highlighting their successful integration into American society.

The data reveals remarkable growth in the number of Nepali-origin individuals obtaining green cards since the late 1990s. Prior to 1996, the figures stood at around 3,500 individuals, which gradually increased over time. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the number of green card recipients for each year:

Year: Number of Nepali Green Card Holders

Prior to 1996:3,500 (approx.)
1996: 431
1997: 447
1998: 476
1999: 453
2000: 616
2001: 945
2002: 1,137
2003: 2,095
2004: 2,878
2005: 3,158
2006: 3,733
2007: 3,472
2008: 4,093
2009: 4,514
2010: 7,115
2011: 10,166
2012: 11,312
2013: 13,046
2014: 12,357
2015: 12,926
2016: 12,851
2017: 11,610
2018: 11,953
2019: 10,201
2020: 7,847
2021: 7,309
2022: 8,000 (approx.)
2023: 9,000 (approx.)

Total: 187,854

Starting from the year 2000, the annual number of Nepali-origin individuals obtaining green cards surpassed 600, reaching a peak of 3,733 in 2006. Although there were fluctuations in the figures in subsequent years, the overall trend remained positive. Notably, the highest surge occurred in 2013 when 13,046 individuals obtained green cards. The numbers slightly decreased in the following years but consistently remained above 10,000 until 2019.

The pathways to obtaining green cards for Nepali-origin individuals primarily include the Asylum program and the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery. These avenues have facilitated a substantial number of individuals in realizing their dreams of becoming permanent residents in the United States. While the exact breakdown of the green card recipients by pathway is not provided in the data, it emphasizes the significance of these two routes for the Nepali community.

Furthermore, the figures highlight the successful integration and naturalization of Nepali-origin individuals into American society. Out of the total number of individuals who obtained green cards, approximately 75,000 have subsequently obtained US citizenship. This achievement underscores the commitment and contributions made by the Nepali community to the United States.

As the Nepali population in the United States continues to grow, the number of green card recipients is expected to rise further. The approximate numbers for 2022 and 2023 stand at around 17,000 individuals each, indicating a significant increase compared to previous years. This trend signifies the continued appeal of the United States as a destination for Nepali individuals seeking opportunities for growth.