FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, OCTOBER 13, 2026, LOS ANGELES, CA––On September 24, 2026, President Trump and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Mullin were sent a bipartisan letter from Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), co-signed by 54 Members of Congress and endorsed by over 200 organizations. The letter detailed the unprecedented devastation in Nepal following catastrophic August 26 flooding. This disaster has been further compounded by ongoing landslides and flash floods, resulting in at least 1,454 deaths and over 5,786 missing or unaccounted for.
This situation is precisely the type of humanitarian emergency for which Temporary Protected Status (TPS) was created: to provide relief and protection to individuals who cannot safely return to their home countries due to widespread destruction from events such as a natural disaster. The September 24 letter outlined the devastating impact of the August 26 floods and subsequent landslides and explained why Nepal meets statutory criteria for a new TPS designation. Accordingly, the letter urged the Administration to act by October 9 and issue a new TPS designation for Nepal in response to this ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Despite the urgency of this humanitarian crisis and the continuing threat to both human life and stability of impacted Nepali communities, neither President Trump nor DHS Secretary Mullin has responded to this request. Meanwhile, support in Congress continues to grow, with Senator Ed Markey (MA) posting on his social media calling on the Trump Administration to designate Nepal for TPS. A new TPS designation could provide much needed protection for an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 Nepali nationals currently residing in the United States, allowing them to remain safely in the country while recovery efforts continue in Nepal.
Dahni Tsuboi, CEO of AJSOCAL, said, “Given the scale of devastation, ongoing displacement, and continued loss of life, a new TPS designation for Nepal is not only appropriate and urgent, but necessary. We therefore call on President Trump and DHS to act without further delay and work in partnership with Nepal to protect Nepali nationals in the United States by granting a new TPS designation.”
“The silence from the Administration is deeply disappointing, especially as thousands of lives remain in jeopardy amid continuing floods and landslides. TPS is a practical, temporary humanitarian measure that would protect Nepalis already in the United States enabling them to support their families and contribute to Nepal’s recovery through sustained remittances, while also generating tax revenue and contributing to the U.S. economy through consumer spending. This is not a partisan issue – it is an opportunity for the Administration to deliver a humanitarian solution that benefits both Nepal and the United States,” said Anil Shahi, Founding Coordinator of UTPSN.
“More than two weeks ago, dozens of Members of Congress from both parties and more than 200 organizations urged the Trump administration to grant Temporary Protected Status to Nepal, yet we have seen no action on that request,” said Rep. Judy Chu. “More than 1,450 people have died in Nepal’s devastating floods, thousands remain missing, and entire communities face years of rebuilding. Yet this Administration has stripped thousands of Nepali families in the United States of their protections, threatening to deport them to a country still reeling from catastrophe. TPS was created for precisely this kind of humanitarian emergency. The Administration must do the right thing and grant Nepal TPS now, and we will keep pushing until it does.”
“Forcing people to return to a country still recovering from catastrophe is neither humane nor responsible. I pushed the Administration to boost U.S. aid for Nepal’s recovery to more than $36 million, and protecting Nepalis here is the next step. This is bipartisan, and we are urging the President to work with the government of Nepal to make sure Nepalis here have access to the temporary safety they need while their country rebuilds. Every week of inaction carries a real human cost. The Administration has the authority to act, and it should,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng.
“More than 1,400 people have died and thousands remain missing after the devastating floods in Nepal,” adds Rep. Krishnamoorthi. “The Trump Administration must not compound this tragedy by forcing Nepalis to return to communities where homes have been destroyed, families are grieving, and recovery has barely begun. That’s why I helped lead our September 24 letter demanding Temporary Protected Status for eligible Nepalis, and I urge the Administration to act immediately rather than leave these families in limbo.”
We will continue to advocate for a TPS designation for Nepal and the dignity of its people. Join us on Friday, October 16, at 12 pm PT/3 pm ET to learn more about the humanitarian crisis in Nepal, the campaign for TPS, and ways you can support this effort. Click here to register.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Liza Ameen, lameen@ajsocal.org, 213.241.0258
