SEBS Online - View News

SEBS-North America will be officially joining efforts in asking for Temporary Protected Status along with other coalition partners. Following text is an excerpt of what is being shared by the coalition team (following reflects updated damages).

While the U.S. is directing much-needed relief aid to Nepal, another significant way we can help limit the strain on that country's resources is by designating Nepal for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under § 244(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. In a very similar circumstance, after a massive earthquake in Haiti, the Secretary of Homeland Security acted quickly to designate Haiti for TPS. That response can and should be repeated for Nepal as soon as possible.

Section 244(b)(1)(B) allows for a TPS designation if an environmental disaster, including specifically an earthquake, has caused a substantial temporary disruption of living conditions in the area affected such that the country cannot adequately handle the return of its nationals; and the country has officially requested a TPS designation.

Nepal experienced a 7.8 magnitude earthquake followed by numerous strong aftershocks, including one registering 7.4 on the Richter scale. Thirty-nine of Nepal’s seventy-five districts were affected by the quake – 11 of them severely. The death toll in Nepal has exceeded 8,500 and the expected numbers could be as high as 12,000. Eight million people have already been affected, and the number is expected to grow as aftershocks, avalanches, mudslides and bad weather continue to damage homes, businesses and other vital infrastructure. The government estimates that over 100,000 houses have been destroyed. Over 3,000 schools are located in the 11 most severely affected districts. Up to 90 percent of health facilities in rural areas have been damaged. Hospitals in district capitals, including Kathmandu, are overcrowded and lack medical supplies and capacity. Many temples and heritage sites have collapsed.

Therefore we urge the concerned authorities to pass the TPS without further delay.