The number of unauthorized border crossings by Nepalis into the United States has surged by over 300% during the Biden administration compared to the Trump era. Data from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reveal that more than 8,000 Nepalis have been recorded in Nationwide U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) encounters during President Biden’s tenure.
Since the implementation of stricter asylum rules in June, the overall number of border crossings has decreased. However, the number of border crossings by Nepali citizens has seen an increase. In August, DHS recorded 260 Nepalis in USBP encounters, up from 210 in July and 200 in June, an increase from May’s figure of 180.
In fiscal year 2024, spanning October 2023 to September 2024, 3,330 Nepalis were recorded in USBP encounters during the first 11 months, up from 3,140 in fiscal year 2023. The September figures are pending release.
The surge under the Biden administration marks a significant departure from earlier trends. From 2014 to 2022, only 5,180 Nepalis were recorded in USBP encounters across a span of nine years. In stark contrast, 6,470 Nepalis have been recorded in just 22 months since October 2022.
During fiscal year 2022, 1,490 Nepalis were recorded at the U.S.-Mexico border, a jump from 420 in fiscal year 2021. By comparison, under the Trump administration, 1,850 Nepalis were recorded in USBP encounters over four years, with annual figures steadily declining: 650 in fiscal year 2017, 720 in 2018, 340 in 2019, and 140 in 2020.
The trend of unauthorized crossings by Nepalis predates the Trump era. In 2014, 460 Nepalis were recorded at the border, followed by 410 in 2015 and 550 in 2016. Many of these individuals reportedly paid thousands of dollars to smugglers to facilitate their entry into the U.S. Some were released into the country immediately, while others were detained or deported.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) categorizes border encounters into three distinct groups: apprehensions, inadmissibles, and expulsions.
Apprehensions refer to individuals temporarily detained by the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) after crossing the border illegally between ports of entry. These individuals may or may not face arrest under Title 8 regulations, and they retain the right to file for asylee status.
Inadmissibles are individuals who seek legal admission at official ports of entry but are deemed ineligible by officers of the Office of Field Operations (OFO) under Title 8. This category also includes those seeking humanitarian protection as well as individuals who voluntarily withdraw their admission applications. Like those apprehended, inadmissibles may also file for asylee status.
Expulsions involve migrants denied entry exclusively under Title 42, a measure implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19. This policy was in effect from March 2020 to May 2023. During this period, USBP and OFO officers were authorized to expel individuals, returning them to their home country or the last non-U.S. location they had traveled through. Unlike other categories, those expelled under Title 42 were not afforded the opportunity to apply for asylum.
These encounters do not necessarily reflect the actual number of people attempting to cross the border. Some individuals make multiple crossings during the same fiscal year, meaning they appear more than once in the data. Others successfully enter without encountering any U.S. official.
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.
