Special Relief Granted to Nepali Nationals in Wake of Devastating Earthquake

By Perry Craft | June 8, 2015

Nepali Devastating EarthquakeOn April 25, 2015, an earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale literally rocked Nepal, leading to the death of more than 8,000 people. Less than two weeks later, another devastating earthquake – this one registering a 7.3 – has hit the same reason. CNN.com reports than another 50 people have died in Nepal, and 17 people in India have died as a result. More than 1,200 people have sustained injuries, but rescuers are still pulling people from the rubble. This latest earthquake hit just as many of the search-and-rescue efforts were starting to wind down.

With the region in crisis and the destruction so complete that rebuilding efforts seem almost impossible, the U.S. has opened its doors to refugees from the region. The USCIS has issued a statement outlining options for Nepali refugees making requests for:

  • “Change or extension of nonimmigrant status for an individual currently in the United States, even if the request is filed after the authorized period of admission has expired;
  • A grant of re-parole;
  • Expedited processing of advance parole requests;
  • Expedited adjudication and approval, where possible, of requests for off-campus employment authorization for F-1 students experiencing severe economic hardship;
  • Expedited adjudication of employment authorization applications, where appropriate;
  • Consideration for waivers of fees associated with USCIS benefit applications, based on an inability to pay; and
  • Assistance replacing lost or damaged immigration or travel documents issued by USCIS, such as Permanent Resident Cards (green cards).”

People in Nepal who can prove that their requests for assistance are rooted in the disaster may also be eligible for fee waivers and extenuating permissions to seek employment once they are here. A more detailed explanation can be found under the Special Situations heading of the website. The National Customer Service Center can also be reached at 800.375.5283 (TDD for the hearing impaired: 1-800-767-1833).

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the thousands of families affected by these tragedies.

If you are a Nepali national, or if you have family who was affected by the earthquakes, the Law Office of Perry A. Craft, PLLC is here to help and support you. Please contact our office to discuss your needs with a dedicated Nashville immigration attorney. We will help you get the answers and the assistance you need.

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