US Deportations: 37 Nepali Nationals Returned for Immigration Violations

Key Takeaways

• On June 8, 2025, 37 Nepali nationals were deported from the US—the largest single-day group ever.
• Total Nepali deportations in 2025 reached 140, over double 2024’s 53, linked to stricter Trump policies.
• TPS for Nepal ends August 5, 2025; 7,000 Nepalis risk deportation without new legal status.

On June 8, 2025, a chartered flight landed at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, carrying 37 Nepali nationals deported from the United States 🇺🇸. This group—32 men and 5 women—marks the largest single-day deportation of Nepalis from the US to date. The event highlights a sharp rise in US deportations of Nepali nationals under the renewed immigration enforcement policies of President Trump, who began his second term in January 2025. As soon as the plane touched down, Nepali immigration and security officials began health checks and security screenings, following strict procedures before releasing the deportees or starting further investigations.

This incident is not isolated. It is part of a much broader trend that is reshaping the lives of thousands of Nepali nationals in the United States 🇺🇸 and putting pressure on Nepal’s resources and social systems. The surge in deportations, the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nepalis, and the growing risks of human trafficking are all coming together to create a complex and urgent situation for individuals, families, and both governments.

Surge in Deportations: What’s Happening and Why?

The number of Nepali nationals deported from the United States 🇺🇸 has jumped sharply in 2025. As of June 8, a total of 140 Nepalis have been deported this year, more than double the total for all of 2024, which saw 53 deportations. The latest group of 37 deportees is the largest single group ever sent back in one day, according to Nepalese immigration authorities.

This increase is directly linked to the Trump administration’s tougher approach to immigration enforcement. Since President Trump returned to office in January 2025, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has stepped up efforts to remove undocumented immigrants, including Nepalis who entered the country illegally, overstayed their visas, or failed to regularize their status. The US Embassy in Kathmandu has been notifying Nepali authorities about upcoming deportations, giving them about a week’s notice to prepare for each group’s arrival.

Deportation Numbers by Month in 2025

• January: 6 deportations
• February: 20 deportations
• March: 30 deportations
• April: 26 deportations
• May: 58 deportations (all male)
• June: 37 deportations (largest single group)

For comparison, the number of Nepali nationals deported in previous years was much lower:
– 2021: 38
– 2022: 24
– 2023: 25
– 2024: 53

This data shows a clear and dramatic rise in 2025, with the total already far above previous years.

The End of TPS: What It Means for Nepali Nationals

One of the most important changes affecting Nepali nationals in the United States 🇺🇸 is the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS). TPS is a special program that allows people from certain countries to live and work legally in the US when their home country is facing problems like war or natural disasters. Nepal was granted TPS in 2015 after a devastating earthquake, which protected about 12,700 Nepalis from deportation and allowed them to work legally.

In April 2025, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that TPS for Nepal would end on August 5, 2025. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said the decision was based on “notable improvements” in Nepal’s disaster recovery and preparedness, meaning the US government believes Nepal can now handle the return of its citizens.

What does this mean for Nepali nationals with TPS?
– Of the original 12,700 Nepalis granted TPS, about 5,500 have become lawful permanent residents (green card holders).
– About 7,000 Nepalis still have TPS but now face deportation if they cannot find another legal way to stay in the US by August 5, 2025.
– After this date, anyone without a new legal status will be subject to deportation.

For more information on TPS and how to apply for other forms of legal status, readers can visit the USCIS Temporary Protected Status page.

The Deportation and Repatriation Process: Step by Step

The process of deporting Nepali nationals from the United States 🇺🇸 and returning them to Nepal is complex and involves several steps:

1. Detention in the US: Nepalis who are found to be in violation of US immigration laws—such as entering illegally, overstaying a visa, or failing to adjust their status—are detained by ICE. Many are placed in “expedited removal” if they have been in the US for less than two years, which means their cases are processed quickly and they have limited chances to appeal.

2. Notification: The US Embassy in Kathmandu notifies Nepali authorities about upcoming deportations, usually about a week in advance. This allows Nepal to prepare for the arrival of the deportees.

3. Flights to Nepal: Deportees are returned to Nepal, often on chartered flights when there are large groups. This was the case for the 37 Nepali nationals who arrived at Tribhuvan International Airport on June 8, 2025.

4. Arrival and Processing: When the deportees land in Kathmandu, they are processed by immigration officials. This includes health checks, security screenings, and interviews. The Human Trafficking Investigation Bureau is involved to check for signs of exploitation or smuggling.

5. Release or Further Investigation: If there are no signs of criminal activity, the deportees are released to their families. If there are suspicions of trafficking or other crimes, further investigations are carried out.

Human Trafficking and Dangerous Journeys

Many of the Nepali nationals deported from the United States 🇺🇸 did not enter the country through regular channels. Instead, they often paid traffickers huge sums—between NPR 4–8 million (about USD 30,000–60,000)—to help them reach the US. These journeys are dangerous and can take months, with migrants crossing several countries, including Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, before arriving at the US border.

Upon arrival in the US, many are detained and eventually deported. Nepali authorities are now investigating possible links to human trafficking and labor exploitation. The Human Trafficking Investigation Bureau interviews returnees to identify victims and gather information about trafficking networks.

Impact on Stakeholders

For Deportees

The deportees face many challenges. Many report being misled by traffickers, losing their life savings, and returning home with heavy debts. They also face social stigma and uncertainty about their future in Nepal. Some may be investigated for involvement in trafficking, while others are simply left to rebuild their lives with little support.

For TPS Holders

The end of TPS means thousands of Nepali nationals must leave the United States 🇺🇸 or find another legal way to stay before August 5, 2025. Many are scrambling to apply for asylum, family-based green cards, or other forms of relief. Those who do not succeed will face deportation.

For Nepal

Nepal is struggling to manage the influx of returnees. The government is working to provide support and reintegration services, but resources are limited. There is also a growing concern about the role of trafficking networks and the risks faced by young Nepalis seeking better opportunities abroad.

For the United States 🇺🇸

The Trump administration argues that strict enforcement of immigration laws is necessary and that humanitarian protections like TPS should end when conditions in the home country improve. Critics, however, say that mass deportations can cause hardship and instability, both for the individuals involved and for their home countries.

Multiple Perspectives on the Crisis

• US Government: The Trump administration, DHS, and ICE say they are simply enforcing the law and ending protections that are no longer needed. They argue that Nepal has recovered enough from the 2015 earthquake to take back its citizens.
• Nepal Government: Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Immigration, and Anti-Human Trafficking Bureau are focused on managing the returnees, investigating trafficking, and providing support for reintegration.
• Deportees: Many say they were misled by traffickers, lost everything, and now face shame and financial ruin.
• Human Rights Groups: These organizations warn of the humanitarian impact of mass deportations and urge both governments to ensure fair treatment and protection for vulnerable migrants.

Historical Context and Changing Policies

TPS for Nepal was granted in 2015 after a massive earthquake. For nearly a decade, it allowed thousands of Nepali nationals to live and work legally in the United States 🇺🇸. Under President Biden, deportations of Nepalis were relatively low—just 53 in 2024. Since President Trump’s return, however, the numbers have soared, with 140 deportations in less than six months of 2025.

This shift reflects a broader change in US immigration policy, moving away from humanitarian protections and toward stricter enforcement. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the Trump administration’s approach marks a sharp departure from the previous “catch and release” and humanitarian protection policies.

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Nepali Nationals?

The deadline for TPS protection is August 5, 2025. After this date, all remaining Nepali TPS holders who have not found another legal way to stay in the US will be subject to deportation. The Trump administration has signaled that it will continue, and possibly expand, deportations—including those with pending asylum claims or who were previously protected by TPS.

Nepal is preparing for more large groups of returnees and is stepping up efforts to investigate and break up trafficking networks. The government is also working to provide support for those returning, but the scale of the challenge is significant.

Practical Guidance for Nepali Nationals

• TPS Holders: If you have TPS, you must find another legal way to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 before August 5, 2025. This may include applying for asylum, a family-based green card, or another visa. For official information and forms, visit the USCIS TPS page.
• Those Facing Deportation: If you are detained by ICE, you have the right to contact your country’s embassy and seek legal advice. The USCIS Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) may be relevant for those seeking advance parole or other travel permissions.
• Reporting Trafficking: If you or someone you know has been a victim of trafficking, contact the Nepal Police Human Trafficking Bureau or the Department of Immigration for help.

Key Data Table: Nepali Deportations from the US (2021–2025)

Official Resources

• Nepal Department of Immigration: For updates and support services for returnees.
• Nepal Ministry of Foreign Affairs: For diplomatic and consular assistance.
• US Department of Homeland Security TPS Information: For legal updates and deadlines.
• Nepal Police Human Trafficking Bureau: For reporting trafficking or exploitation.

Conclusion: What Should Affected Individuals Do Now?

The situation for Nepali nationals in the United States 🇺🇸 is changing quickly. With the end of TPS and a sharp rise in deportations, it is more important than ever for affected individuals to understand their rights and options. If you are a TPS holder, act now to explore other legal pathways before the August 5, 2025 deadline. If you are facing deportation or have been a victim of trafficking, seek help from official resources in both the United States 🇺🇸 and Nepal.

The recent arrival of 37 deportees at Tribhuvan International Airport is a stark reminder of the real-life impact of immigration policy changes. As both countries adjust to these new realities, the focus must remain on protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring fair treatment for all.

For more information on TPS, deportation procedures, and support services, visit the USCIS Temporary Protected Status page or contact the Nepal Department of Immigration. Stay informed, know your rights, and take action early to protect yourself and your family.

Learn Today

TPS → Temporary Protected Status allowing nationals from disaster-affected countries to live legally in the US temporarily.
ICE → US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws and deportations.
Expedited Removal → Fast deportation process for immigrants with less than two years in the US, limiting appeals.
Human Trafficking → Illegal trade of people for exploitation, a risk many deportees face during migration.
Green Card → Legal permanent residency status in the US, allowing foreign nationals to live and work legally.

This Article in a Nutshell

In 2025, Nepali deportations from the US surged due to stricter immigration enforcement and TPS ending August 5. The largest single-day group of 37 arrived June 8. This poses huge challenges for deportees, Nepal’s resources, and migration policies. Urgent action and awareness of legal options are critical now.
— By VisaVerge.com