Nepali Americans are increasingly rallying behind U.S. presidential candidate Kamala Harris as election day nears, but many still harbor reservations. Recent polling shows growing support for Harris among Asian American voters, with 62% expressing a favorable view, especially within the South Asian community. Harris’s heritage resonates strongly with Nepali Americans, who see her as a symbol of representation and pride.
Despite this rising enthusiasm, some Nepali Americans remain cautious, citing limited familiarity with Harris’s political record. Many are seeking concrete commitments on key issues like immigration reform and economic opportunities before fully supporting her. In states like Georgia, where Asian American voter turnout is on the rise, there is a mix of excitement and hesitation. While some Nepali Americans are actively volunteering for Harris, others want more clarity on her plans.
One major concern for Nepali immigrants is the lack of specific attention to issues like Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery. Kamala Harris has not made any recent prominent statements specifically about TPS, which has disappointed many in the community. This is particularly alarming for approximately 8,000 Nepalis currently under TPS protection.
In contrast, U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump has pledged to revoke TPS for immigrants, raising fears of deportation within the community. Trump has stated his intention to deport not only undocumented immigrants but also those covered by TPS, a policy he attempted to implement during his presidency. This effort faced legal challenges, and TPS remained intact due to ongoing court battles. The Biden administration later announced an extension of TPS, preserving the legal status of affected immigrants.
TPS holders, including Nepalis, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration’s efforts to terminate TPS for around 400,000 individuals. Nepali plaintiffs Keshav Raj Bhattarai and Sajjan Pandey were instrumental in the legal fight. Although a preliminary injunction in 2018 temporarily preserved the legal status of TPS holders, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the ruling in 2023. However, in June 2023, the Biden administration reversed Trump’s decision to revoke TPS, extending it for nearly 300,000 people from El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua. The Department of Homeland Security also extended TPS for these countries for 18 months starting from December 25, 2023.
Additionally, Trump has consistently called for ending the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery program, a program that has significantly benefited Nepalis. In November 2017, Trump urged Congress to “immediately initiate work to get rid of this program,” describing it as “not nice” and “not good,” arguing that it allows the “wrong people” into the country. He supported the RAISE Act in 2017, which aimed to eliminate the DV Lottery program altogether. In 2019, Trump introduced a “passport rule,” requiring applicants to possess a valid passport just to enter the lottery. This rule drastically reduced applications and access to the program.
Trump frequently criticized the DV program, claiming it allows the “worst of the worst” to be selected. However, Nepal has been one of the greatest beneficiaries of the Diversity Visa program. The end of this program would disproportionately affect Nepali immigrants and their U.S. aspirations. Since 2008, approximately 45,000 Nepalis have obtained U.S. green cards through the DV lottery, and Nepal has consistently ranked among the top countries benefiting from this program.
In 2023 alone, 3,375 Nepali applicants received green cards through the DV Lottery, with 2,894 awarded green cards in 2022. The program not only provides economic opportunities for Nepali immigrants in the U.S. but also contributes to Nepal’s economy through remittances. Ending the DV program would significantly harm Nepal’s economy and dash the U.S. dreams of thousands of Nepali applicants.
Community organizers emphasize that addressing these concerns through outreach and engagement will be essential. They aim to foster discussions around issues that matter to Nepali Americans and other South Asian voters, helping to bridge the gap between Harris’s campaign and their priorities.
As the election draws near, Harris’s ability to connect with Nepali Americans on both an emotional and practical level will be crucial. Khagendra GC, a New York-based immigration attorney and advisor to the New York Democratic Club, highlighted the importance of unity within the Nepali-speaking community, stating, “Harris and the Democratic Party are more favorable for immigrants and Nepali immigrants’ agendas. So we have to be united and support Kamala Harris for U.S. president. The Nepali-speaking community is significantly growing in the USA, and many Nepali-speaking voters can play a pivotal role in purple states like Pennsylvania.”
On the first week of October, during the Dashain Day celebration in Maryland, campaign promotions were held for Kamala Harris, Maryland Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks, and congressional candidate Johnny Olszewski, further engaging the Nepali-speaking community in the political process.
Additionally, the New York Democratic Club, organized by Nepali American New Yorkers, is holding a workshop on October 20 at the World Fair Marina in Flushing, NYC. This event will provide insights on the ideology, principles, and responsibilities of the Democratic Party.
Nepali Americans are not only gaining visibility in local politics but also strengthening their presence on the national stage. As their community grows, particularly in states like Pennsylvania, their potential impact on elections becomes increasingly significant. Community leaders are working to mobilize voters and ensure their voices are heard, with a focus on addressing critical issues like immigration and workers’ rights.
The Nepali American community is increasingly making its mark in local politics. The Nepali American population is growing rapidly in the United States, and with it, the number of first-generation Nepali Americans involved in mainstream politics.
According to the Census Bureau, the Nepali-alone population surged by an astounding 295.5% over the past decade, increasing from 51,907 in 2010 to 205,297 in 2020. When considering those who identify as Nepali alone or in combination with another ethnicity, the population grew by 269.0%, from 59,490 in 2010 to 219,503 in 2020.
These individuals have made significant strides by participating in local, state, and national elections. However, the census figures may be undercounted compared to data from the Department of Homeland Security and other government sources.
Harry Bhandari, who immigrated to the United States in 2005, became a naturalized citizen in 2011. After a 13-year career as a teacher in Nepal, he entered American politics while continuing his teaching profession. In 2018, Bhandari made history by becoming the first Nepali American elected to the Maryland House of Delegates from the 8th District. He was re-elected in 2022.
Bhandari’s political journey began in 2008 as a volunteer for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. He subsequently served as the secretary of the Young Democrats of America’s Minority Caucus and on the Board of Directors for the District 6 Democratic and Civic Association Club. In 2014, Bhandari unsuccessfully ran for the Maryland House of Delegates. However, he achieved success in 2018, running on a slate with Carl W. Jackson and incumbent state delegate Eric Bromwell, and defeating incumbent Republican state delegate Joe Cluster in the general election.
Bhandari was sworn in on January 9, 2019, on copies of the Bhagavad Gita and Vedas. He has served as a member of the Health and Government Operations Committee throughout his tenure and has chaired the Maryland Legislative Asian-American and Pacific Islander Caucus since 2023.
During the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries, Bhandari ran as a delegate for Joe Biden at the 2020 Democratic National Convention. He also applied to run as a delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention, pledged to Biden, but was denied by the Maryland Democratic Party.
Bhandari is not the only Nepali American to make history in American politics. Sarahana Shrestha, who moved to the United States in 2001, became a naturalized citizen in 2019. In 2022, she was elected to the New York State Assembly from the 103rd District, becoming the first Nepali American woman representative elected at this level in the United States. Shrestha, a first-generation Nepali American democratic socialist politician and activist, represents New York’s 103rd State Assembly District. She was first elected in November 2022, defeating a 23-year incumbent, Kevin A. Cahill.
Shrestha is affiliated with Public Power NY, a coalition of clean energy advocacy organizations. She has also worked as a graphic designer and is the co-chair of the Democratic Socialists of America’s Ulster County chapter. Shrestha focused her campaign on climate and renewable energy policy. She was endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America, the Working Families Party, and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Shrestha assumed office on January 1, 2023.
The participation of Nepali Americans in American politics extends beyond these individuals. Kiran (Ron) Sitaula, Deputy Mayor of Indian Head, Maryland, was elected as Deputy Mayor in 2015 and re-elected for a third term last year. As Vice Mayor, Kiran (Ron) Sitaula is the first Nepali to be elected to a public position outside of Nepal and the first non-U.S.-born official in the history of the Town of Indian Head.
Pradeep Dhakal was elected to the Herndon City Council in Virginia in November 2018 and re-elected on November 8, 2022. Dhakal is serving his third term on the Herndon Town Council. He serves as chair of the Herndon Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and has served as the town’s representative on the Fairfax County Economic Advisory Commission. Dhakal is an IT professional who manages projects for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as a federal contractor. He holds a master’s degree in strategic leadership and lives with his wife Sushma, their three children, and his mother in Herndon.
Tika Poudel was elected as a member of the Euless City Council in Texas in June 2021. In Reynoldsburg, Ohio, in November 2019, Nepali-speaking Bhuvan Pyakurel was elected as a member of the municipal council of Ward 3 from the Democratic Party, recognized as the first Bhutanese elected to public office in the United States.
Ramchandra Shrestha from the Democratic Party and Chiran Neupane from the Republican Party won elections in the Branford RTM in Connecticut. These are just a few examples of the growing number of first-generation Nepali Americans involved in American politics.
In addition to these elected officials, Nepali American Darshan Rauniyar also ventured into American politics. Rauniyar ran in the 2012 election for the U.S. House to represent Washington’s 1st District but was defeated in the primary. He also ran in a special election to fill retiring representative Jay Inslee’s seat for a one-month term before the 2012-2014 term began but was again unsuccessful.
Harry Bhandari also ran in the 2024 U.S. House of Representatives election in Maryland’s 2nd Congressional District, placing second to Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski in the Democratic primary. He officially announced his campaign on January 29, 2024, but was defeated in the primary with 8.5 percent of the vote.
Similarly, Adrian Pokharel ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Virginia’s 10th Congressional District in 2024 but lost in the Democratic primary. Many others have attempted to run for office at various levels.
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.
