Honestly, if you’ve been following the rollercoaster that is TPS for Nepal latest news, you’re probably exhausted. One day you’re told the program is ending, the next day a judge steps in, and then a new administration flips the script again. It’s a lot to handle for the roughly 7,000 Nepali nationals living under this status in the United States.
The big update? As of early January 2026, a federal judge has effectively hit the "undo" button on the government's attempt to kill the program.
The December 31 Shocker: A New Lease on Life
Just as 2025 was wrapping up, U.S. District Judge Trina Thompson issued a nationwide injunction that basically saved the day for Nepali TPS holders. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had previously moved to terminate the status, claiming Nepal no longer met the criteria for protection. The judge didn't buy it. She ruled that the termination was essentially illegal, voiding the decision and ordering the immediate restoration of TPS for Nepal, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Basically, if you were worried about your world turning upside down this month, you can breathe—for now.
This isn't just a "paper" victory. It means your status is legally active again. For employers, this is a huge deal too. They are now legally required to honor Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) that they might have previously thought were about to expire.
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Why the Court Intervened
The lawsuit, National TPS Alliance et al. v. Noem et al., argued that the government didn't follow the right rules when they decided Nepal was "safe enough" to return to. The court agreed that the cancellation was "null and void." In legal speak, it's like the termination never happened.
Your Work Permit: What You Need to Know Right Now
Let's talk about the thing that actually matters for your daily life: the EAD. If you have an EAD with a "Card Expires" date that was supposed to be the end of the road, the court order has automatically extended its validity.
- No new card needed yet: You don't necessarily need to rush out and pay for a new plastic card if yours is covered by the court order.
- The "A-12" or "C-19" codes: If your card has these category codes, it’s part of the group that is protected under these recent legal wins.
- Employer confusion: Many HR departments haven't read the news yet. You might need to show them the official USCIS update or the Federal Register notice to prove you are still authorized to work.
There was a moment in late 2025 where it looked like everything would expire by November. Then it looked like August 2025 was the hard deadline. This January 2026 ruling is the most recent—and most powerful—shield you have.
The Politics Behind the Protection
We have to be real here: TPS is a political football. Under the current administration in 2026, there has been a massive push to contract these programs. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has been vocal about wanting to end what she calls "temporary" programs that last for decades.
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Nepal was originally designated for TPS back in 2015 after that devastating earthquake. Critics argue that 11 years is plenty of time to recover. But anyone who has been to Nepal recently knows the infrastructure is still struggling, and the economic ripple effects are very much alive.
The court's intervention is a check on that executive power. It forces the government to prove—with actual data—that the country is stable. So far, the judges aren't convinced the government did its homework.
Common Misconceptions About Nepal TPS
I see a lot of bad info floating around on WhatsApp groups and Facebook. Let's clear some of it up.
- "TPS is a green card." No. It never has been. It’s a temporary stay of deportation. You don’t get a path to citizenship just by having TPS, though it does keep you legal while you look for other options like asylum or family-based petitions.
- "The program is definitely ending in 2026." Not necessarily. While the DHS wants to end it, the court order has no specific "end date" other than the duration of the litigation. If the government appeals and wins in a higher court, things could change. But right now? You’re safe.
- "I have to re-register every month." Please don't do this. You only re-register when USCIS publishes a formal notice in the Federal Register. If you already re-registered during the last open window (which for many was in 2024/2025), you are likely covered.
The Numbers Game
Currently, there are about 7,160 Nepali individuals actively holding TPS. While that seems like a small number compared to countries like Venezuela or Haiti, for the Nepali community in places like New York, Texas, and California, these 7,000 people represent thousands of families, businesses, and lives built over a decade.
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What Should You Do Today?
Don't just sit and wait for the next news alert. You've got to be proactive.
First, get a copy of the latest USCIS "Alert" regarding the National TPS Alliance court case. Keep it on your phone or print it out. If your boss asks why your card has an old date, this is your shield.
Second, talk to an immigration lawyer—a real one, not a "notario." With the legal landscape shifting every few months, you need to see if you qualify for "Adjustment of Status" or another more permanent visa. TPS is a bridge, but you don't want to live on a bridge forever.
Third, check your EAD category. If it's not A-12 or C-19, you might be under a different program or have different rules applying to you.
Essential Next Steps
- Audit your documents: Ensure your I-94 and EAD are in a safe place and that you have digital scans.
- Stay informed: Check the official USCIS Nepal page once a week. Do not rely on rumors.
- Check for "Travel Authorization": If you need to travel to Nepal, you must apply for and receive "Advance Parole" first. Do not leave the country without it, or you will likely lose your TPS.
- Employer Letter: If you are facing issues at work, organizations like Adhikaar or the National TPS Alliance often have templates you can give to your employer to explain the legal extension.
The battle for TPS for Nepal latest news isn't over. The government will likely appeal Judge Thompson's decision to the Ninth Circuit. But for the first half of 2026, the law is on your side. Use this time to stabilize your legal position.
Stay vigilant. The moment a Federal Register notice is published with new instructions, you'll need to move fast. For now, your work authorization remains valid, and your presence in the U.S. is protected by federal court order.