6 Ways You Can Defend Nepali (and Other) Immigrants Targeted By the Trump Administration
The Trump administration announced plans this week to terminate the Temporary Protected Status designation to Nepal.
This means that by June of next year, more than 9,000 Nepalis who are currently residing *legally* in the U.S. will be up for deportation.
If this scenario sounds like a nightmarish deja vu, you’re not wrong. The Trump administration has already cut off temporary protections to thousands of immigrants from Haiti, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Sudan who were allowed to live in the U.S. following humanitarian disasters in their home countries. Administration officials also have Hondurans on notice — the Department of Homeland Security has until next month to decide whether their protected status should be extended.
Nepal was first granted TPS designation after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck near its capital in 2015, killing thousands of people and displacing millions more. Advocacy groups warn the country is far off from a full recovery, a risk that could endanger Nepali nationals if they are deported from the U.S.
There are things you can do to defend immigrants at risk of losing TPS protections.
1. Make a call.
The Trump administration has the power to extend the protective status for Nepalis. Call Homeland Security Sec. Kirstjen Nielsen (202.282.8000) and acting Sec. of State John Sullivan (202.647.4000) and demand an extension.
2. Support the American Promise Act and the SECURE Act.
More than 118 lawmakers from both parties have already publicly urged the Trump administration to extend the TPS designation for multiple countries — ask them to go a step further.
There are two bills currently pending in Congress that would help TPS holders. The American Promise Act (H.R. 4253), was introduced by Rep. Nydia Velazquez, and the SECURE Act (S. 2144), was introduced by Sen. Chris Van Hollen. Both bills would help TPS beneficiaries from all 13 countries that are currently under protection, and grant them access to legal permanent residency.
You can reach your members of Congress in both the House and Senate at 202.224.3121.
3. Learn more about what Nepalis protected by TPS are facing.
Saurav Upadhyay, who is originally from Nepal and works with the advocacy group American Friends Service Committee, has more on the potential risks if Nepali nationals are in fact deported.
4. Join the Save TPS campaign.
Follow the hashtag #SaveTPS on Twitter and join the National TPS Alliance's campaign at www.savetps.com.
5. Get involved where you live.
Do you live in Virginia, Texas, Nevada, Massachusetts or California? The National TPS Alliance has local affiliates in your state. Contact local organizers to find protests and events in your area.
6. Are you a TPS holder?
Know your rights and follow the resources here to see if you qualify for an alternative type of immigrant status.
