Deportations of Nepali citizens from the U.S. saw a significant drop in August 2025, even as strict immigration policies under the Trump administration continue. According to the Immigration Office at Tribhuvan International Airport, only 16 Nepali citizens—15 men and one woman—were deported in August, a 72% decrease from the peak in May.
This decline comes after a period of increased deportations. Since President Donald Trump’s second term began on January 20, 2025, a total of 215 Nepali citizens have been deported, including 197 men and 18 women.
While May recorded the highest number of deportations at 58, August’s number was one of the lowest of the year, similar to January and February.
From January to August 2025, the number of Nepali citizens deported from the United States fluctuated significantly. The year started with a low number in January at just six deportations, which rose to 18 in February and 32 in March. The deportations then dipped slightly in April to 26 before reaching a peak of 58 in May.
The numbers began to fall in June to 42, with a further decrease in July to 17. The trend of decreasing deportations continued into August, which saw the lowest number for the entire period with only 16 deportations.
Despite the recent dip, the number of deportations is expected to rise. This is largely due to the recent termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nepali citizens. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that TPS and related work permits became invalid after August 20, 2025.
This decision came after a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals stayed a lower court’s order, clearing the way for the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nepal.
An estimated 1,500 Nepali citizens with deportation orders were previously protected by TPS. With their status now expired, U.S. immigration authorities can deport them immediately upon apprehension. Additionally, around 1,500 Nepalis who were not covered by TPS also have existing deportation orders.
The stricter enforcement of immigration laws under the Trump administration has been a significant cause for concern within the Nepali community, as it targets undocumented immigrants and those whose protections have expired.
The Nepal government continues to accept its citizens who are being deported from the U.S. The Embassy of Nepal in Washington, D.C., has cooperated by providing travel documents for those with deportation orders, helping to prevent any diplomatic tensions with the U.S.
The Trump administration has warned that it will penalize countries that refuse to accept their deported citizens, including placing visa restrictions on government officials. However, because Nepal has consistently accepted its citizens, it has avoided any such measures.
D. Dhungana
View More PostsDipendra Dhungana is a journalist based in Kathmandu with over a decade of experience in photojournalism. His work has been featured in numerous national and international outlets, showcasing the stories and resilience of the Nepali people. He is also a contributing journalist for NepYork.
