⬛ The number of Nepali-origin individuals obtaining U.S. green cards has significantly increased, surpassing 200,000 by 2024 from approximately 3,500 prior to 1996.
⬛ The highest number of green cards issued to Nepalis occurred in 2013, with 13,046 recipients. From 2011 to 2019, the numbers remained robust, consistently exceeding 10,000 annually.
⬛ Following a decline in 2020-2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the numbers rebounded to 12,010 in 2022 and remained strong at 11,930 in 2023.
⬛ The number of Nepalis obtaining U.S. citizenship has surged from 20,926 in 2014 to approximately 87,000 by 2024, reflecting a remarkable increase of 314.29% over the decade.
⬛ In fiscal year 2023, 7,930 Nepalis were naturalized, following figures of 9,408 in 2022 and 7,232 in 2021.
⬛ Including second-generation Nepali Americans born in the U.S., the total Nepali Americans population is estimated to be nearly 100,000.
The number of individuals of Nepali origin obtaining green cards in the United States has steadily increased over the years, according to the latest figures from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). As of 2023, a total of 194,800 individuals of Nepali origin have successfully obtained U.S. permanent residency.
Including estimates for 2024, the total surpasses 200,000. Among them, approximately 87,000 have received U.S. citizenship through naturalization.
By 2014, 20,926 Nepalis had obtained U.S. citizenship. Over the next decade, an additional 66,000 Nepalis became U.S. citizens. According to the Department of Homeland Security, 56,863 Nepalis were naturalized between 2015 and 2023. Including estimates for 2024, the total reaches around 66,000.
Approximately 87,000 Nepalis have obtained U.S. citizenship to date. This marks a significant increase of about 314.29%, or roughly 4.14 times, in the Nepali American population from 2014 to 2024. When including second-generation Nepali Americans born in the U.S., the total population is nearly 100,000.
In the fiscal year 2023, 7,930 Nepalis obtained U.S. citizenship. In 2022, the number was 9,408, and in 2021, 7,232 Nepalis were naturalized.
The data reveals remarkable growth in the number of green card recipients since the late 1990s. Prior to 1996, the number stood at approximately 3,500, but over the decades, the figures have consistently risen.
Year-by-Year Breakdown of Nepali Green Card Recipients:
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 (peak year)
2014: 12,360
2015: 12,930
2016: 12,850
2017: 11,610
2018: 11,950
2019: 10,200
2020: 7,850
2021: 7,310
2022: 12,010
2023: 11,930
2024: 10,000 (estimated)
Starting in 2000, when the annual number of Nepali-origin individuals obtaining green cards surpassed 600, the overall trend remained positive. The number peaked in 2013 when 13,046 Nepalis were granted permanent residency, the highest on record. While there were slight fluctuations in subsequent years, the number consistently stayed above 10,000 until 2019.
After a dip in 2020-2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, numbers rebounded to 12,010 in 2022 and remained strong at 11,930 in 2023.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
