The United States deported 37 Nepali citizens in what marks the largest single-day deportation of Nepalis from the country. The group, consisting of 32 men and 5 women, arrived in Kathmandu on a chartered Omni Air International flight (OY 3146) via Dhaka, Bangladesh, landing at Tribhuvan International Airport on Sunday night at 9 p.m.
Carrying minimal possessions such as bags or sacks, the deportees were handed over to Nepal Police’s Human Trafficking Investigation Bureau for questioning before being released to family members or friends.
According to immigration officials, most of the 37 deportees had entered the U.S. illegally—primarily via Mexico—without valid visas. Only one individual had a valid passport, while the remaining 36 traveled using documents issued by the Nepali Embassy in the U.S.
Among the deportees was a former Diversity Visa (DV) Green Card holder.
New York-based immigration attorney Basu Phulara explained that while winning the DV lottery grants eligibility for a Green Card, it does not guarantee permanent residency. Green Card holders—whether through the DV program or other categories—must comply with U.S. laws and immigration regulations. Violations, including involvement in crimes such as drug offenses, fraud, domestic violence, or theft, can result in revocation of the Green Card and deportation, even for a single offense, depending on its severity.
Phulara further noted that Green Cards can be revoked for immigration fraud or misrepresentation, such as providing false information during the DV application process, using fake marriages, or submitting fraudulent documents. Some Nepalis have faced deportation after discrepancies were uncovered during U.S. citizenship applications, such as omitting spouses or children in the original DV application but including them later in I-130 petitions.
Additionally, Green Card holders must maintain continuous ties to the U.S. Prolonged absences, failure to file taxes, or lack of physical residency can be considered abandonment of status, leading to revocation. Participation in activities that threaten national or public security—such as terrorism or espionage—also leads to deportation, regardless of how the Green Card was obtained.
Assisting others in illegal entry or abusing immigration benefits can further endanger one’s immigration status. Phulara emphasized that a DV-based Green Card is a privilege that comes with responsibilities. Holders must uphold the law, maintain U.S. residency, and act with integrity in all immigration-related matters.
The case of several Bhutanese refugees in Nepal, who were deported from the U.S. after losing their Green Cards due to criminal offenses, serves as a recent example of such consequences.
These deportations reflect stricter immigration enforcement under U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term, which began on January 20, 2025. Since then, 140 Nepalis have been deported to Nepal between January and May 2025, with two additional individuals deported to Panama. This includes 58 men in May, 30 individuals (24 men and 6 women) in March, 20 in February (including 6 on February 8), and 6 in January.
The surge in 2025—nearly three times the 52 deportations recorded in all of 2024—highlights a sharp escalation. Historical data show 24 deportations in 2023, 22 in 2022, and 35 in 2021, with 133 Nepalis deported between January 17, 2021, and December 30, 2024. Most of the deportees had entered the U.S. illegally via Mexico, reportedly spending up to $100,000 on their journeys.
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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.
