US deports 80 Nepalis amid visa restrictions
NEW YORK- The United States has deported 80 Nepali nationals for illegal stay, lack of valid documents, and violations of U.S. immigration laws, adding to growing concerns about tightening American immigration policies affecting Nepali citizens. The deportees 79 men and one woman arrived in Kathmandu on Tuesday aboard a chartered Omni International flight, which made a transit stop in Dhaka, Bangladesh, before landing at Tribhuvan International Airport.
According to Immigration Department spokesperson Tikaram Dhakal, several individuals in the group had entered the United States through irregular routes, often via Central American corridors used by human smugglers. Others were removed for overstaying their visas, failing to maintain legal status, or breaching immigration regulations.
Visa Restrictions and Heightened Scrutiny for Nepalis.
This deportation comes at a time when the United States has placed stricter visa scrutiny and restrictions on Nepali nationals, including the expansion of visa bond requirements and increased monitoring of immigration violations. Nepali applicants have reported tougher interviews, longer processing times, and higher rejection rates across multiple visa categories.
Officials say these measures reflect a broader U.S. effort to curb irregular migration and enforce compliance with immigration laws. The recent deportation flight is seen as part of this wider enforcement trend.
Upon landing in Kathmandu, immigration authorities conducted identity verification, document checks, and preliminary screening. Following standard protocol, all 80 individuals were handed over to the Nepal Police for further investigation. Authorities will review each person’s travel history, method of entry into the U.S., and any potential links to trafficking or smuggling networks.
Police officials say the investigation will help determine whether any of the deportees were victims of fraud or exploitation by agents promising illegal entry into the United States.
Government agencies continue to warn Nepali citizens about the dangers of irregular migration routes, which often involve:
• exploitation by human traffickers
• financial loss
• arrest and detention abroad
• long-term travel bans
• deportation and criminal investigation upon return
Experts say that as global immigration policies tighten, Nepalis attempting unauthorized entry into the U.S. or overstaying visas face increasing legal consequences.
Authorities have urged the public to follow proper visa procedures, verify documentation, and avoid risky routes promoted by smugglers. The government is also reviewing ways to strengthen public awareness campaigns and crack down on fraudulent agents.
This latest deportation underscores the urgent need for safer, regulated migration pathways and stronger protections for Nepali citizens seeking opportunities abroad.