Relief for Nepali Nationals Announced

Today, USCIS announced some limited relief for Nepali citizens in the United States, in the wake of last week’s devastating earthquake.  While the agency stopped short of granting Temporary Protected Status, otherwise known as TPS, the agency did provide an array of temporary immigration relief for some Nepalese citizens.

Among the protections announced, USCIS can grant the following:

• Change of status or extension of status, even if the applicant is currently out of status;
• Re-parole;
• Expedited processing of advance parole applications;
• Expedited approval of off-campus employment authorization for some students experiencing severe economic hardship;
• Expedited approval of work permits related to other immigration benefits;
• Consideration of fee-waivers for some applications; and
• Assistance replacing lost or damaged travel documents, such as green cards, travel permits, etc.

If you believe you qualify for one of these benefits, please call our office to discuss this with one of our experienced attorneys.