America Nepal Helping Society welcomed the decision of Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson to designate Nepal for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months based on the conditions resulting from the devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25, 2015, and the subsequent aftershocks. As a result, eligible nationals of Nepal residing in the United States may apply for TPS with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  On July 9, 2015, ANHS organized a program to inform Nepali community members who are eligible for this benefit.

Expectations were high today at the TPS information sharing program organized by the America Nepal Helping Society (ANHS), DC metro base community organization and USCIS. Members of the Nepali community gathered together to get information about the TPS designation for Nepal at Best Western Battlefield Inn in Manassas. Mr Padam R. Regmi, President of ANHS, welcomed all the guest members and applauded the support provided by the USCIS and thanked all the active community remembers.

USCIS Public affair officer, Joanne M. Ferreira (Media Division), Community Relations Officer Gloria Williams-Brevard had spoke on the program. They elaborated on eligibility criteria for TPS including that applicant have been both “continuously physically present” and “continuously residing “in the United States since June 24. Both officers have emphasized the benefit of TPS and other TPS-related fees and waiver process.

Outreach Representative from Senator Mark R. Warner’s office Ms Anh C. Phan  and Immigration lawyer Dr. Lava karki  also spoke on the event.  Ms Phan offered the continual support from Senator Mark R. Warner’s office. Dr. karki participated on Q& A session and provided valuable information about Temporary Protected Status (TPS).This program was conducted by Dr. Anup Pahari. Media support was provided by Ram Chandra Kharel, Sagarmatha Television and Bishwo R. Thapa of enepelese.com.