Dems urge special immigrant status for Nepal earthquake victims

Two House Democrats want the Department of Homeland Security to grant a temporary immigrant status for Nepalese nationals affected by the country’s earthquake.

Democratic Reps. Al Green (Texas) and Mike Honda (Calif.) have introduced a bill to establish a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to citizens of Nepal so that they are protected from deportation or detainment. TPS is frequently authorized in conditions that prevent safe return of a country’s citizens, such as a civil war or natural disaster.

Under the legislation, Nepalese applicants would be eligible for TPS if they had been legally present in the U.S. since April 25, or the date of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake. The status would be granted for 18 months.

{mosads}The U.S. has already provided $10 million in aid to Nepal for humanitarian needs as well as search-and-rescue efforts. Green argued that the U.S. should also offer temporary protection for Nepalese nationals in the U.S.

“A great nation does not force people to return to conditions that are unsafe and detrimental to their well-being. A great nation extends the hand of friendship to all during times of challenge and crisis,” Green said in a statement.