U.S. Immigration Judges Issue Deportation Orders for 3,500 Nepalis, Decline Noted Under Biden

U.S. immigration judges have issued deportation orders to approximately 3,500 Nepalis, with a decrease observed under the Biden administration.

In October 2024, 12 Nepalis received deportation orders, accompanied by an increase in “credible fear” denials. The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) reported that out of 176 Nepali asylum cases heard in October, 52 were granted asylum, 31 were terminated, and 43 were denied due to lack of credible fear of persecution.

Immigration courts ruled in a significant number of Nepali cases that there was no credible fear in October. During this period, 21 cases met the credible fear requirement, while 10 applicants did not have a “Notice to Appear” (NTA) filed. Five cases were closed on other grounds, and two applicants were given the option to voluntarily depart the U.S.

In fiscal year 2024, immigration courts decided 1,441 cases involving Nepalis. Of these, 606 cases were granted relief, 346 were terminated, and 197 resulted in deportation orders. Additionally, 141 NTAs were not filed, 64 individuals were found to have no credible fear, and 38 cases were closed for other reasons, while 27 cases met the credible fear standard.

September 2024 saw 20 Nepali applicants denied credible fear. Out of 137 cases that month, 50 received relief, 23 were terminated, and 20 received deportation orders, while 10 NTAs were unfiled. The number of credible fear denials for Nepalis in previous months were: 28 in August, 7 in July, 4 each in June and May, 1 in April, 3 in March, and 1 in February, indicating a recent upward trend.

To date, U.S. immigration courts have heard over 15,365 cases involving Nepalis. Of these, 7,595 cases were approved for relief, 3,449 resulted in deportation orders, 1,622 were terminated, 629 were closed for other reasons, and 610 were granted voluntary departure.

In 405 cases, no credible fear of persecution was found. Additionally, 361 NTAs were unfiled, and 272 cases were given prosecutorial discretion (PD).

During the Biden administration, over 600 Nepalis received deportation orders from immigration courts, compared to nearly 900 during the Trump administration.