CAPAC Chair Statement on Termination of TPS for Nepal

April 26, 2018

Media Contact: Kim Hall 202-225-5464

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CAPAC Chair Statement on Termination of TPS for Nepal

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced its decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nepal. The decision will impact approximately 9,000 Nepalese who were granted TPS status to reside in the United States in the aftermath of a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that devastated Nepal in 2015. Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), released the following statement:

"The Trump Administration's decision to terminate TPS for Nepal is not only heartless, but it is a slap in the face to the 9,000 Nepali TPS recipients who are still working to rebuild their country in the aftermath of an earthquake that devastated Nepal in 2015.

"Three years later, over half of Nepal's water infrastructure still requires repair and over 90 percent of those who were originally displaced by the earthquake are still living in temporary shelters. The failure of the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security to fully analyze the perilous and unstable conditions in Nepal is irresponsible and inhumane.

"Let me be clear - this is a failure of the entire administration and is clearly a way for President Trump to hasten his mass deportation agenda at the expense of innocent lives. In Congress, I will continue to fight for a permanent legislative solution to protect TPS recipients and allow them to remain in the United States."

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.