Skip to main content

CAPAC Applauds Temporary Protected Status Designation for Nepal

June 24, 2015

Washington, D.C. - Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced its decision to designate Nepal for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) based on the conditions of a 7.8 magnitude earthquake and subsequent aftershocks that devastated the country in April 2015. Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements:

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“I commend Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson for his decision to grant Temporary Protected Status to those impacted by the horrific earthquake in Nepal that took over 8,000 lives. In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, I joined many of my colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary Johnson and Secretary Kerry to ensure that eligible nationals of Nepal would be able to live and work in the U.S. as their country continues to recover and heal. I appreciate Secretary Johnson’s swift decision to grant TPS for Nepal, and I will continue to support efforts to assist the Nepalese people as they rebuild from this terrible natural disaster.”

Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Chair Emeritus:

“The natural disaster this spring in Nepal made it unsafe for people to return. We have heard reports of crumbling buildings and infrastructure, and the fact is that women and children are disproportionately affected by natural disasters and become more at-risk for mistreatment or abuse. I am pleased that Secretary Johnson heeded our call and awarded Temporary Protected Status to the people of Nepal displaced by April's earthquake. Thanks to this decision, Nepali people will not be forced to return to an unsafe situation.”

Congressman Xavier Becerra (CA-34):

“The devastating earthquake in Nepal forever changed the lives of too many. In April, I joined my colleagues to call on the Department of Homeland Security to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Nepali people and I am pleased to see Secretary Johnson’s announcement today that Nepali nationals living in the United States can now apply for TPS. This is an important measure that will help the Nepali people get back on their feet and begin to recover from this national tragedy.”

Congresswoman Al Green (TX-09):

“I literally prayed for Temporary Protected Status for Nepalese nationals on the floor of the House of Representatives, on May 15, 2015. Our prayers have been answered. We thank President Obama as well as his administration for granting Temporary Protected Status to Nepalese nationals so that they can continue living and working in this country during this difficult time. The people of Nepal have suffered greatly and I think providing TPS will assist some of them in attaining a sense of stability in the U.S. while their country recovers. I am also proud to have signed on to a letter, circulated by Reps. Joseph Crowley (NY-14) and Grace Meng (NY-6), to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson and Secretary of State John Kerry, requesting the designation of Temporary Protected Status for Nepal.”

Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06):

“My heart continues to ache for all those impacted by the terrible tragedy in Nepal. Allowing citizens of Nepal who are in Queens and throughout the nation to remain in the U.S. until it’s safe to return is the right and decent thing to do, and I thank Secretary Johnson and Secretary Kerry for being responsive to our request. As Nepal continues to recover, the U.S. and international community must continue to assist the country with needed relief efforts.”

Congressman Joseph Crowley (NY-14):

“As the people of Nepal continue to mourn the lives lost and struggle to recover from this terrible tragedy, I’m proud our nation will continue its tradition of humanitarian support by granting TPS to Nepalis currently in our country. This is a critical step that will allow those in New York and in communities across the country to remain here until the Nepali government is better suited to handle their return, thus helping Nepal’s government focus on their important recovery efforts.”

###

The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.