Six Key Immigration Concerns Among Nepalis in the U.S. and Nepal After Donald Trump Wins

Many Nepalis, both in Nepal and the United States, have been following the U.S. presidential election closely due to the significant impact it could have on their lives and future plans. With Donald Trump now victorious, concerns are rising over potential shifts in immigration policies that could affect Nepalis aspiring to study, work, or live in the U.S.

The U.S. election received wide coverage in Nepali media, with news outlets and analysts speculating on how Trump’s policies might affect international students, job seekers, and aspiring immigrants. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have been abuzz with Nepalis sharing news, opinions, and concerns.

The community is also aware of global events, including the Ukraine and Israel conflicts. Additionally, reports of up to 15,000 Nepalis recruited by Russia for the Ukraine war have raised worries about the broader implications of U.S. foreign policy.

Impact on Nepalis Planning to Immigrate, Study, or Work in the U.S.

For thousands of Nepali students and professionals, the U.S. remains a top destination for education and career advancement. Changes in immigration policies—such as stricter regulations on student visas, reduced H-1B visa availability, and limited post-study work opportunities—could alter their plans.

Families in Nepal who have relatives in the U.S. or hope to sponsor family members are also concerned about policies impacting family reunification and green card processing.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Nepali Immigrants

For many Nepalis in the U.S., the status of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a pressing issue. Granted to Nepalis after the 2015 earthquake, TPS provides temporary legal protections to approximately 8,000 Nepalis.

During his previous term, Trump attempted to end TPS, which led to legal battles and a temporary injunction. However, a 2023 appeals court ruling placed TPS under renewed threat, despite President Biden’s extension through December 2023.

Now, with Trump’s return, many families in Nepal fear TPS may be terminated, placing relatives in the U.S. at risk of deportation.

Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery

The DV Lottery represents a critical pathway for Nepalis to immigrate to the U.S., with over a million applicants each year hoping to secure residency and send remittances back home.

Trump has previously advocated for the program’s elimination, which he claimed allows undesirable entrants into the U.S. His administration supported the RAISE Act to end the lottery and enforced a passport requirement, limiting accessibility for many.

Asylum Seekers

Thousands of Nepalis have sought asylum in the U.S. for various reasons, with around 9,000 cases currently pending in immigration courts. A Trump presidency could mean tighter asylum policies, potentially jeopardizing the futures of asylum seekers and their families back in Nepal.

If asylum becomes more restrictive, many Nepalis could face forced returns or family separations.

Undocumented Nepalis and Border Concerns

The plight of undocumented Nepalis adds another layer of concern. Trump’s hardline stance on undocumented immigrants could lead to mass deportations, directly impacting thousands of Nepalis in the U.S.

Additionally, the high-risk journey across the U.S.-Mexico border has become a last resort for many Nepalis willing to pay traffickers substantial fees. Trump’s commitment to finish the border wall signals stricter border enforcement, making this journey even more perilous.

Implications for Students and Career Seekers

Many Nepalis plan to enter the U.S. on student or work visas, hoping to establish a career after their studies. Under Trump, policies may shift to further limit pathways to work visas and residency, affecting those dreaming of long-term careers in the U.S.

For aspiring students and young professionals, the election results could directly shape their future opportunities and impact family decisions regarding education and migration.

The Trump victory has intensified anxieties among Nepalis who view the U.S. as a land of opportunity and stability. Families with loved ones already in the U.S. or planning to go are deeply concerned about what the next four years may bring.

The election outcome has made it clear that the future of Nepalis in the U.S. will likely be shaped by shifting immigration policies, economic restrictions, and an unpredictable global landscape.