35 Nepalis Deported from the US, Including a Student Visa Holder: What’s Behind the Surge

On November 20, 2025, a chartered flight brought 35 Nepali nationals back to Kathmandu after being deported from the United States. According to Nepali and U.S. officials, their cases reflect a complex mix of illegal migration, visa violations, and rising immigration enforcement. 

Key Facts: Who Were Deported?

• The 35 deportees included:
  
  • 33 individuals who entered the U.S. through irregular routes.
    
  • 1 person on a student visa, who was deported after failing to stay enrolled in college and reportedly working in breach of visa conditions.
    
  • 1 visitor-visa holder, removed for unauthorized employment in the U.S.
    
• Many of those deported had reportedly paid up to NPR 8 million to human traffickers to enter the U.S. via dangerous, circuitous routes.
  
• On arrival in Kathmandu, they were handed over to the Human Trafficking Investigation Bureau for interrogation.
  
• Several deportees came from Rukum and Dang districts.
  

Why This Matters: Implications of the Deportation

1. Crackdown on Undocumented Migration
   The U.S. appears to be intensifying its efforts to deport undocumented Nepalis  especially those who used irregular migration routes.
   
2. Visa Abuse & Student Risks
   The case of the student visa holder is particularly eye-opening: it highlights how stringent U.S. visa rules are, and how failing to comply (e.g., by dropping out or working illegally) can lead to deportation.
   
3. Human Trafficking Angle
   The large sums reportedly paid to traffickers underscore the role of smuggling networks in facilitating illegal migration putting migrants at significant risk.
   
4. Policy Shift & TPS Ending
   The deportation wave ties into broader U.S. policy changes. The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nepali nationals ended on August 5, 2025, leaving many long-term Nepali residents vulnerable.
   
5. Domestic Impact in Nepal
   Returning deportees, many with heavy debts may face social and economic challenges. Their return might also help Nepali authorities map trafficking networks and hold smugglers accountable.
   

Broader Trend: Rising Deportations

• According to Nepal’s Department of Immigration, more than 163 Nepalis were deported from the U.S. in a six-month span in 2025.
  
• These deportations are largely linked to the U.S. ramping up immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s second term.
  

What Can Be Done And Why It Matters for Nepali Youth

• Awareness for Students Abroad
  Nepali students in the U.S. must understand visa rules (especially on enrollment and employment) to reduce the risk of deportation.
  
• Tackling Trafficking Networks
  Nepal’s law-enforcement agencies should strengthen investigations into smuggling rings and engage communities in high-risk districts.
  
• Policy Advocacy
  Diaspora organizations and civil society could push for better protection mechanisms for Nepalis abroad, especially those on legal visas.
  
• Support for Returnees
  The Nepali government and NGOs should provide reintegration assistance to deported individuals, especially those burdened with debt or stigma.
  

Conclusion

The deportation of 35 Nepalis from the U.S., including a student visa holder, is not just an isolated incident. It reflects a broader clampdown on immigration, growing risks of irregular migration, and the harsh realities for Nepalis who overstay or violate visa conditions. As these issues continue to surface, it’s critical for both Nepali and U.S. authorities to address the root causes from unsafe migration routes to gaps in legal protections.