Many Nepalis who had hoped to enter the United States illegally via Mexico are now returning to Nepal after failing to cross the U.S. border. Despite paying human traffickers as much as $100,000 per person, these migrants have been unable to make it past the stringent security measures enforced along the border.
The reinstatement of the Trump administration’s “Remain in Mexico” policy, which forces non-Mexican asylum seekers to wait south of the border while their cases are processed, has also affected Nepalis. Additionally, tightened security measures, including the deployment of forces by both Mexico and the U.S. at the border, have made it increasingly difficult to cross into the United States illegally.
Since the start of the Trump administration, Nepalis unable to cross the U.S. border have been contacting the Nepali Embassy in Washington, D.C., seeking assistance to return home, according to embassy sources. The Nepali Embassy has been assisting stranded Nepalis who wish to return, many of whom have lost their passports or are unable to proceed with their journey. The embassy has been issuing free travel documents to those in need, allowing them to board flights back to Nepal.
The embassy has reported preparing travel documents for four such individuals and sending them via email. “Some Nepalis who lost their passports in Panama while traveling to Mexico have reached out to the embassy, explaining that they lack the necessary documentation to return to Nepal. They expressed their desire to return home after realizing that crossing the U.S. border was no longer feasible,” said a Nepali Embassy official in Washington, D.C.
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However, there is no information available on whether these individuals have successfully returned to Nepal from Mexico.
On the day he took office, U.S. President Trump declared a national emergency along the Mexico border. Trump had previously declared a national emergency at the border in 2019 as well. He has also deployed military forces to the southern border to enhance security. In 2019, Trump used the national emergency declaration to allocate funds for constructing a border wall.
Trump has also ended the “catch and release” policy at the border. This policy previously allowed immigrants caught at the border to be released into the U.S. while awaiting court hearings. Now, those apprehended by CBP or ICE will be held in detention while their cases are processed.
Furthermore, the U.S. has terminated the CBP One program. CBP One was a free mobile app that allowed people to schedule appointments to enter the United States through certain land ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border.
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.
