AILA Commends Government for Temporary Relief to Nepalese Nationals
| CONTACTS: | |
|---|---|
| George Tzamaras 202-507-7649 gtzamaras@aila.org |
Belle Woods 202-507-7675 bwoods@aila.org |
Washington, DC - The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) commends the Department of Homeland Security for designating Nepal for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Nepalese nationals who have resided in the United States since June 24, 2015 must apply within 180 days (by December 21, 2015). The designation will be for 18 months.
"AILA applauds DHS for recognizing that the conditions in Nepal remain unsafe after the major earthquake shook the country weeks ago," said AILA President Victor Nieblas Pradis. He continued, "While TPS is temporary, it is important for those Nepalese nationals already in the United States who are unable to safely return to their country of origin, because it will allow them to apply for a work authorization and be granted protection against deportation for the duration of TPS."
The federal government is responding to both the April 25, 2015, magnitude 7.8 earthquake which struck Nepal and the numerous aftershocks which have affected a large portion of Nepal's population, resulting in thousands of casualties, injuries, and millions displaced from their homes. The government estimates that 10-25,000 Nepalese nationals will be eligible for this status.
The American Immigration Lawyers Association is the national association of immigration lawyers established to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members.