Today is a historic moment for Adhikaar! We have partnered with the Center for American Progress and U.S. Immigration Policy Center at UC San Diego to launch the first-ever national research on the Nepali Temporary Protected Status (TPS) community. The report confirms what we already knew: that Nepali TPS holders are an essential part of this country’s economy and society. They have invested in building lives here, started families, bought homes, and are envisioning a future in America.
Unfortunately, with the recent ruling from the 9th Circuit Courts on Ramos/Bhattarai v Nielsen, our communities are in danger of being removed forcibly, as early as March 2021 from this country they call home. However, the road is not over. The legal team behind the lawsuits are preparing to appeal and our members continue our fight for permanent residency.
Adhikaar has been fighting for TPS since 2015 when we first won TPS designation for Nepal. And over the years we have reached over 10,000 of the 15,000 Nepali TPS holders and directly served thousands.
The research shows clearly that Nepali TPS holders make significant contributions to the United States. Some striking findings include:
91.7 percent of the respondents received work authorization through TPS that allowed 62.7 percent of them to get a job that better fits their education and training.
81.5 percent of the Nepali TPS holders surveyed “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that, “If I returned to Nepal, I would be concerned about the physical safety of myself and my family.” Among respondents who have U.S.-citizen children, this increased to 85.3 percent.
54.3 percent reported thinking about being deported once a day or more, while 41.4 percent reported thinking about deportation separating them from their families once a day or more.
The evidence is clear. Not only are Nepali TPS holders and their families supporting this country in substantive ways, they are at a significant crossroads in these next few months. Despite having made huge investments in this country, their lives hang in a delicate balance.
Adhikaar’s campaign continues to fight for permanent residency for the 400,000 TPS holders in this country. Support our work by signing this petition to demand that the Senate move now on the passage of the American Dream and Promise Act. We also ask that you consider donating to Adhikaar to help us continue this life-saving and important work.
