As the Nepali Community Ages in the U.S., Political Priorities Change 

As the U.S. presidential election approaches, nearly 100,000 Nepali Americans are eligible to vote, with around 35,000 poised to participate  for the first time. However, enthusiasm levels and priorities among these new and old voters vary significantly. The younger, 1.5 or second-generation, in particular, appears to be less engaged and less enthusiastic about U.S. politics. While immigration remains a central concern for first and 1.5 generation Nepali Americans, second-generation voters are shifting their focus toward other issues such as healthcare and education.

Nabaraj KC (45), a first-generation Nepali immigrant who has been a longtime resident of College Point, Queens, New York, with his wife and two children, believes immigration is a key concern for the first generation. He said: “The first generation focuses on immigration issues or healthcare access, but the second generation might prioritize policy issues such as employment opportunities, healthcare access, immigration issues, civic engagement, educational opportunities, cultural preservation, and political involvement. These are the most focused concerns for the Nepali community here in the U.S.”

He is very eager to vote in this presidential election. He thinks that the growing Nepali community and generational differences will definitely have a significant impact on voting patterns and engagement in local or national politics. “The influence of Nepali Americans can amplify their political voices on the local, national, and global stages,” said KC, who is actively participating in local politics in NYC.

Likewise, Somnath Ghimire (55), a resident of Queens and first-generation Nepali immigrant, also expressed his enthusiasm to vote in the upcoming presidential election. He believes that many Nepal-born Nepali Americans are well-groomed by political schooling in Nepal, which might have contributed to Nepali Americans’ easier socialization, life experience, and attitudes toward politics, influencing their participation.

“We must engage, educate, and encourage Nepali Americans to participate in politics so that we can influence the government and compel elected representatives and political leaders to address our issues and break barriers such as legal obstacles and representation at every level,” emphasized Ghimire. He acknowledged the importance of voting and noted that many Nepali American youth voters are less interested in voting and U.S. politics.

Nepali American Dikshya Poudel(19), a resident of Queens, New York, will be exercising her right to vote for the first time this year. Despite this milestone, her excitement remains subdued. “I am not really that interested in this year’s election because I feel like both parties are similar in a sense,” Poudel expressed. She immigrated to the U.S. with her parents when she was 4 years old. “I will vote in this upcoming election, but I don’t feel excited about it,” she added.

Poudel’s sentiments highlight the diversity of political engagement among Nepali Americans. Different demographic groups exhibit varying levels of political activity, influenced by cultural variations, generational disparities, and personal experiences. Second-generation immigrants, in particular, may distance themselves from the politics of their parents’ home country, focusing instead on assimilating into American society or prioritizing other aspects of their lives, such as education and careers.

While immigration remains a central concern for first-generation Nepali Americans, second-generation voter Poudel shifts her focus toward healthcare and education issues. Poudel emphasized: “My top priorities for this upcoming election are better healthcare and canceling student debt.”

Nevin Chetry (31), a second-generation Nepali American and immigration attorney in NYC, takes a keen interest in this year’s US elections, given that it’s a presidential election. He believes that the election outcome will significantly shape the country’s trajectory and reflect the current sentiments of the people, especially considering the debate around Trump’s candidacy. “At the same time however, not many people are happy with the current state of affairs of the economy and immigration so it will be interesting to see how people react by voting,” says Chetry.

As an attorney and the son of immigrants, Nevin said that immigration is a critical issue that intersects with other key areas such as education, the economy, and healthcare. “As a New Yorker, we are seeing and experiencing the impact of huge waves of illegal immigration on the city, its infrastructure, public services, crime, and housing. These are all inter-related and I don’t think you can completely separate the issues,” he asserted. 

James Karmacharya (19) was 9 years old when he migrated to the U.S. with his parents in 2015. A 1.5-generation immigrant and student at Columbia University, Queens resident Karmacharya is set to vote in his first U.S. presidential election. Karmacharya attributes cultural differences and the emphasis on maintaining strong ties to their heritage as reasons why 1.5 or second-generation Nepali immigrants may seem less engaged in U.S. politics. He believes that for recently immigrated individuals and families, language barriers and unfamiliarity with the political system are significant obstacles.

“Cultural differences and the emphasis on maintaining strong ties to one’s heritage are common among immigrant communities,” Karmacharya stated. “This often leads to a focus on problems within one’s own community rather than engagement with the broader political population. For recently immigrated individuals and families, language barriers and a lack of familiarity with the political system are key reasons why 1.5 or second-generation Nepali immigrants seem less engaged in U.S. politics.” Karmacharya also noted that the perception that an individual’s opinion or vote may not make a difference can discourage participation, particularly among those who are new to the U.S.

When Karmacharya took the oath of U.S. citizenship in September 2023, pledging to uphold the nation’s Constitution and laws, he knew it was not just a moral obligation but a call to action. He felt compelled to speak out against the issues plaguing the country. “I look forward to being a more active participant in this year’s election, its ballots, and all the discussions, whether easy or hard,” Karmacharya said. “Despite not having voted in previous U.S. elections, I eagerly look to my peers to make an informed decision that will contribute to the betterment of our society.”

Despite being a 1.5-generation immigrant, Karmacharya aligns himself with first-generation Nepali immigrants on the issues and priorities. “It’s only natural for me to be concerned with immigration issues, even while other important concerns like education and healthcare are placed on the back burner –  (though certainly not forgotten). A great nation like the U.S. boasts its diversity and inclusivity, representing a land for individuals and families from across the globe in their pursuit of the American dream. This makes foreign and immigration policy essential to ensuring an inclusive and smooth process,” said Karmacharya.

“Not only the initial process itself, but the aftermath as well,” Karmachara added, referring to how immigrants are treated, integration policies and programs, and improving well-being initiatives. 

James’ elder brother, Prince Karmacharya(22), also migrated to the U.S. when he was 12 years old. As a U.S. citizen, he also feels that he has a moral and rightful obligation toward the democracy of this country, and that means being actively involved in the discussions of the upcoming U.S. elections. He said: “It’s a new and profound experience that has made me feel more in tune with the decisions we collectively make as a nation. I personally feel excited as well to be able to contribute towards that experience with an informed decision on my part.”

Like his brother, he aligns himself with first-generation immigrants on election issues and priorities. “I naturally tend to align with those whom I believe may make an effort towards developing immigration reform, economic opportunities, and healthcare access in relation to immigrants such as myself,” he said. 

He acknowledged that many 1.5-generation Nepali immigrants may seem less engaged in U.S. politics, attributing this to a sense of cultural duality, where they feel neither fully American nor fully Nepali, leading to disengagement from civic participation.

He added: “Additionally, they might face socioeconomic pressures, prioritizing career and family over political involvement, as did I when I first arrived here, and still do to a certain extent. Limited representation and role models in politics also contribute, as they may not see their interests reflected or feel their voices matter. Finally, the assimilation process can dilute the urgency of political issues that were more pressing for their first-generation parents. As they grow older, these concerns may fade out of their minds and other priorities take hold in their lives.”

Regarding democratic dominance in certain regions, Nevin observed that this phenomenon often occurs in communities already situated in Democratic strongholds. The thought is that their vote doesn’t truly make a difference since their area will already be voting Democrat,” said Chetry, highlighting a common sentiment among voters in historically Democratic regions.

Nabaraj KC thinks Nepali community-based organizations and various ethnic groups can definitely play a greater role in mobilizing Nepali registered voters.

“In any election, political engagement, voter turnout, and participation in both primary and general elections play major roles in developing political alliances within the Nepali community. The major implications of developing political alliances are shaping the political landscape, promoting diversity and inclusion, representing our community within American democracy, and influencing candidate selection and policy priorities that benefit the community,” said Nabaraj KC.

This story was produced as part of the 2024 Elections Reporting Mentorship, organized by the Center for Community Media and funded by the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment.