In response to the 7.8 earthquake and the following aftershocks that devastated Nepal on April 25, 2015, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has designated the nation for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). For a period of 18 months, beginning on June 24, 2015, Nepalese nationals who reside in the United States and meet certain eligibility criteria may apply for TPS with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration (USCIS), according to the immigration law specialists at Berd & Klauss, PLLC in New York.

Nepal's newly granted TPS status means that, until December 24, 2016, eligible nationals and Nepal, as well as individuals without nationality who last resided in Nepal, are protected from removal and deportation by USCIS. Furthermore, you may be able to receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Contact the immigration attorneys at Berd & Klauss, PLLC for help with the registration, which must be completed before December 21, 2015.

Nationals of Nepal wishing to take advantage of the TPS status must be able to demonstrate that they have been both “continuously physically present” and “continuously residing” within the U.S. since the beginning of the TPS period on June 24, 2015. Those who apply must also pass a thorough security check before approval, with certain criminal records and those who may pose a security risk barred from eligibility. A complete list of requirements and criteria is available on USCIS's TPS website.

For help applying for TPS and EAD, or for other legal services, visit Berd & Klauss, PLLC online, or call (212) 461-7152 to schedule a consultation today.