Bond approvals for Nepali nationals detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have plummeted to near-zero levels in the early months of Fiscal Year 2025, according to data from the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) obtained by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC). Between October 2024 and February 2025, only 10 out of 65 bond hearings for Nepali detainees resulted in grants, yielding a stark 15.4% approval rate. This figure includes 38 denials and 17 withdrawals. The sharp reduction in approvals for Nepali detainees stands out against the broader—though still restrictive—national bond approval rates.
The FY 2025 approval rate for Nepali detainees marks a steep decline from previous years. In FY 2024, 23 out of 58 hearings were granted—a 39.7% approval rate—while FY 2023 saw 31 out of 107 hearings succeed, a 29.0% rate. This downward trajectory is particularly pronounced for Nepali nationals, whose approval rates have fallen much more rapidly than the national average.
Monthly data for FY 2025 illustrates this grim trend: October 2024 saw 5 grants out of 16 hearings, with bond amounts ranging from $0 to $17,000; November had zero grants out of 12 hearings; December recorded 1 grant out of 7, with the bond set at $4,000–$5,000; January had 3 grants out of 14, with bonds ranging from $5,000–$12,500; and February saw just 1 grant out of 16, with a bond set between $10,000–$12,500.
Nationally, bond approval rates for all detainees have also declined, though less sharply than for Nepali nationals. In FY 2025, 13,240 bond hearings through February resulted in 3,316 grants (25.0%), 6,900 denials, and 3,024 withdrawals. This follows FY 2024’s 25,951 hearings with 8,152 grants (31.4%) and FY 2023’s 25,426 hearings with 8,211 grants (32.3%).
Monthly national data for FY 2025 shows fluctuating approval rates: October at 29.7% (786 out of 2,643), November at 24.2% (530 out of 2,187), December at 28.7% (669 out of 2,334), January at 23.0% (549 out of 2,385), and February at 21.2% (782 out of 3,691). While the national approval rate of 25.0% is restrictive, it remains significantly higher than the 15.4% for Nepali detainees.
Immigration Attorney Bashu Phulara explains that several factors are driving the steep decline in bond approvals for Nepali nationals. “In 2025, immigration bond options have become limited due to current federal enforcement policies and procedural changes,” he said. “Many individuals, including those from the Nepali community, are now subject to expedited removal or mandatory detention, making bond unavailable in a growing number of cases.”
Even when bond is legally permissible, Phulara notes, “its availability is often restricted by the nature of the case, prior immigration history, or policy directives.” For Nepali nationals—especially those without current status or with prior removal orders—the opportunity to request bond has become increasingly rare.
At the same time, Phulara points to the introduction of voluntary departure programs as an alternative for some. These programs offer individuals the option to return to their home countries with logistical support and potential eligibility for legal reentry in the future.
“These developments underscore the importance of receiving timely legal guidance,” Phulara emphasized. “As policies continue to shift, Nepali individuals facing immigration proceedings are encouraged to seek professional assistance early to understand their rights and to explore all available options under current law.”
The decline in bond approvals for Nepali detainees—from 29.0% in FY 2023 to 15.4% in FY 2025—far outpaces the national drop from 32.3% to 25.0% over the same period. Immigration attorneys like Phulara attribute this sharp decrease to stricter immigration enforcement policies implemented by the Trump administration beginning January 20, 2025.
Phulara also emphasizes that ICE parole, an alternative form of release from immigration detention, has become extremely rare under the Trump administration. “Parole in immigration detention is a discretionary process in which U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may grant temporary release to individuals while their immigration cases are pending. Unlike bond, which is determined by an immigration judge, parole is solely under ICE’s authority,” he explained. “Given the evolving immigration policies, obtaining parole has become increasingly difficult, making it crucial to understand the requirements and challenges involved.”
According to Phulara, to be considered for parole, an individual must meet specific conditions. These include establishing identity with sufficient documentation such as a valid passport or birth certificate, demonstrating no flight risk through evidence of stable residence, family ties, or pending legal relief, and proving no threat to public safety—especially for those with prior offenses or immigration violations. Humanitarian considerations may also apply, such as serious medical conditions requiring urgent treatment, pregnancy, unaccompanied juveniles, witnesses involved in legal proceedings, or cases where continued detention is deemed contrary to public interest. Additionally, individuals must provide a clear release plan, including a verifiable address and sponsor information. If parole was previously denied, a new request must include additional evidence or show a significant change in circumstances to justify reconsideration.
“In recent years, ICE has exercised stricter discretion in parole decisions, often citing generalized concerns about flight risk or security without providing detailed reasoning,” said Phulara. “The likelihood of parole approval varies based on policy shifts, making it an uncertain option for release.” He recommends that a well-prepared parole request include official documents confirming identity and residence, medical records if seeking parole for health-related reasons, letters of support from family, employers, or community members, and legal representation to ensure compliance with ICE requirements. “If parole is denied,” Phulara added, “alternative legal options such as a bond hearing before an immigration judge may be available. Given the complexity of immigration detention policies, individuals seeking parole should be well-informed and prepared.”
Phulara also points to the introduction of voluntary departure programs as an alternative for some individuals. These programs offer the option to return to their home countries with logistical support and potential eligibility for legal reentry in the future. “These developments underscore the importance of receiving timely legal guidance,” he emphasized. “As policies continue to shift, Nepali individuals facing immigration proceedings are encouraged to seek professional assistance early to understand their rights and to explore all available options under current law.”
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.
