Almost a decade ago, NRNA NCC of USA was established in the United States of America. One could have hoped, since it had gone through 15amendments of its bylaws, should be running as awell-oiled machine to further the interest of Nepalese diaspora or NRN in the USA. Also taking active part of liaison role between the government of Nepal and the US government and contributing to the economic development of Nepal and uplift the socio-economic life of NRN. Is it just a farfetched imagination for many of us who believed in its potential? Thus far it has failed to provide coherent economic policy and strategy that benefits NRN as well as Nepal. Unless we set goals and objective that is backed by economic policy and plan then any good ideas will remain as an idea and will never be materialized.

Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) was established with the purpose of uniting and binding the Nepali Diaspora under one umbrella on 11 October2003. In short span of time, it has spread over 80 nations around the globe with slogan “Once Nepali always Nepali”. Since then, its main objective to fight for the continuation of Nepali citizenship and afford that same rights to our offspring born in foreign land. Finally with the promulgation of new constitution of 2015, hard work of lobbying has delivered dual citizenship and was enshrined in the Nepalese constitution. Now next battle is brewing to implement that provision in the law and regulations of Nepal.

To support that goal finally NRNA movement got hold in the USA right after it got official affiliation in 16-Oct-2009. Since then, it has been slowly evolving. From merely three hundred members organization has grown to almost 21,000 registered members in 2021 is impressive despite of many underlying issues of membership process. This shows how much NRN has faith in this organization. Challenge is now to deliver to its promises to take care of each other in the foreign land and at the same time be a partner in development of New Nepal.

Regardless of registered memberships, the foundation and strength of NRNA is non-resident Nepali (NRN) in the USA. Therefore, it is important to understand how many NRN are here in the USA and their socio-economic status. Graphs below illustrates migration pattern of Nepali to USA since history of first Nepali migrated in the USA in 1952 thru 1993 prior to DV lottery visa.

Source: U.S Bureau of the census & U.S Immigration & Naturalization Service. ICPSR 1993

Demographic among various ethnic communities according to CNAS Journal, Vol. 26, No. 1 (Jan 1999)is given below.

 Based on 2019 census data, separation of various Nepalese community is not possible. However, at a glance when we look NRNA membership pool (20,154), which is about 20% of total NRN population based on US Census 2019, we see huge disparity in participation in the NRNA movement by various communities.

Data Source: NRNA USA Website

Based on composition of NRNA members, it begs a question is this really reflection of reality and a real community population shift or just an apathy towards NRNA movement. NRNA provides a room for all community regardless of ethnicity, languages and religious believes, therefore it must make a strategy to attract various communities in this movement.

As the immigration Act of 1990 established Diversity Visa (DV) program and since then,population of Nepalese community in America has steadily growing. Before 2012, US census department might have combined Nepalese origin people as Asian Indian, so data about only Nepali is not directly accessible. However, US Census changed its data processing practices from 2012, where it started to categorized Nepali as “Nepalese”. This has made much easier to segregate the Nepali only data.

I have been looking and analyzing this kind of data since I decided to run for NRNA Treasurer about six months ago. Before that I was just in oblivious about factual number of NRN in the USA. As a tradition, treasurer position is looked upon as an accountant or bookkeeper, whose only responsibility is only bookkeeping. However, as any successful organization there is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and treasurer must play a role as CFO, set a financial planning, and constantly think about various sources of funds to implement program along with account responsibility as his/her fiduciary duties. Even NRNA bylaws gives such a responsibility to Treasurer, however, as of to date focus has only been basis bookkeeping then at the end of year handover account data to for submit audit by certified external accounting company, who ultimately files a yearend tax. As of to date there is no financial reporting system by its chapter in various states. It is immediate not just training and quarterly financially reporting mechanism but also bring all the chapter to under their own States laws while conducting financial transactions.  

I thought it is my responsibility to research in order to prepare for the job in advance. These data include lots of socio-economic data about Nepalese community in the USA. Without such factual data compiled by US government, prospective of getting any federal, States or local government grants or support is a remotely possible. I see great opportunity of partnership with US government, and donor agencies. It is imperative to understand the baseline, how our community is doing in comparison to other communities. Based on US census data ourcommunity is continuing to grow and along with the growth which is welcoming but it comes with challenges and we need to be ready to resolve various issues in our community.

NRN Population in the USA (2012-2019)        

source: US census

​​​​​​​​​​​

In 2019, People of Nepali origin (PNO) constitutes 20% US born, 29% naturalized U.S Citizen and 51% permanent residence. Nepali citizens who hold US passport vs. still in permanent residency status (green card) and other status are almost at equal percentage and soon it is predicted more and more NRN will become naturalized US citizen.

In such context, objective of NRNA USA is must understand its demographic needs and issues and put forward plan and develop a strategy that is supported by its economic policies.

There must be two track strategy as this is tied to economy as well.

First, NRNA USA should lead incorporation with ICC on policy matter along with lobbying with Nepalese government and political power centers.

Second, on socio-economic issues related to Nepali people. We must understand that just raising “Go Fund” aftermath of natural disaster or humanitarian crisis and providing help will not relieve us from our obligation to our mother land.  

Therefore, focus must be given to identify resources and unite NRN and join hand in development of Nepal and uplift the socio-economic condition of vast majority of Nepalese people. However, this can only be achieved by investment opportunity by ordinary NRN living abroad not just few rich and well connected. Recent law that was passed in 2019 “Foreign investment act and technology transfer” is just antithetical to this concept, as it requires almost five hundred thousand-to-million-dollar investment and literally all the areas for the investment is banned under this new regulation. Immediate attention must be given by ICC and NCC to work together to reduce threshold of investment and seek exception on all the area for investment in Nepal with the investment protection, repatriation of investment within the reasonable norms that is win-win to Nepal government without the fear of depleting foreign currency reserves. If this policy is tuned properly there will be more influx of foreign investment in Nepal. Effect of this will encourage and invite other foreign company to invest in Nepal as it happened to India in nineties after it opened up its economy to NRI. There are many NRN who in their deep desire willing to invest and participate in development of Nepal and NRNA USA must be instrumental to fulfill their aspiration.  

To encourage investment, it is also required to review tax policy. Without such a policy any returns on investment will just go towards paying taxes in Nepal and as well as in the USA. NRNA USA is in position to lobby US congress to seek exemption from paying taxes on dividend and profit made from investment. It is up to the power US government to grant such exemption as US has vested interest to see Nepal economically doing well. USA has always supported Nepal. For an example, right after earthquake in 2015, US exempted import tariff levied on hundreds of goods and product from Nepal to support Nepal’s economy aftermath of disastrous earthquake. Only question is will there be a leadership in the NRNA, who can articulate such an idea to convince US government?

                                                                     Source: US Census

NRN population in the USA is young and there is tremendous potential to harness their power, energy, and talent to build new community leaders and entrepreneurs. Among them 20% population is US born. NRNA needs to create culture and environment so that young people can join NRNA movement. In order to attract them NRNA needs understand behavior patterns and their interest and launch a program in the areas of languages,cultures, leadership, and entrepreneurship skills. We need to build youth leadership pool at state chapter level and promote them to NCC leadership. This platform can provide a comfort zone, where they can exhibit their talent, where they can harness their leadership skills. Learned skills can be used later in their life to lead local, State and Federal government, participate in mainstream politics as well as in private sectors.

It seems to be growing demand from NRN across the country is for Nepalese community center at major cities. As data illustrates that almost 19% NRN are over 45 years old and within a decade many of us will be retiring from work force, children would be settling down with their own life, and elderly parents or grandparents need a place where they can go, see friends, and engage in other community activities and enjoy a company of other NRN for their own mental health and sanity. We need funding for such community center and there are fund available, we just have to be smart to make case to local, state, and federal government.

Also, when we address NRN issues, we have to understand their level of education and profession, so we can cater to their demand to improve their socio-economic life. Based on US census 63,851 NRN over age of 3 thru 44 yrs. old are enrolled in the school.

                                                                                                                     Source: US Census 2019

Paradox here is 26% NRN among 25 and above has less than high school diploma. As an organization responsible for the interest of NRN in the USA, this kind of data provides area of interest and ought to look into such situation, itsimpacts their communication skills, English language skills and overall, their own as well as their children’s health and welfare.

Similarly, according to US census data in 2019Workforce distribution. Concerning issue is 28% of able bodies are not in workforce, and is it due to language barrier, education, health related issues or something else?

NRN in the USA are engaged in various occupation and based on US census. Employment Status of NRN in USA in 2019.

This provides unique look of NRN community and it reflects education and income level of NRN in the USA. As a result, household median earning is $63,831 as opposed to professional category makes on average $94,898 per year. However, we see per capita earning for full time male NRN makes $47,641, where as female makes on $23,979. This inequity or pay gapbetween male and female must be studied as it might impact social security earnings for individual at retirement age.

Strength and economic vitality of any community is able and disable body in the society. As disability status of individuals does not just impact person with disability but also entire family and requires lots of social support. Based on 2019 census, 6.8% of NRN of various ages are disable, who might require social support and benefits.

This is the area where NRNA has measurably failed in the past. In other to improve coordination and communication NRNA NCC must empower local chapters and take their grievances seriously. As local chapter is the foundation of NCC and voice of NRN at State level, they ought to be given power in decision making process. Collaboration and coordination with other organizations must be a mantra for NRNA USA.This is a huge challenge and requires thoughtful strategy and leadership, who have an experienced working at NRNA chapter and local level.      

NRNA should be run as a professional and inclusive organization, and try to attract talented pool of professionals, entrepreneurs, youth, and women. With the dedicated effort by membership drive committee female participation in 2021 has gone up by 6%, which is trending in right direction, but it is well below NRN female population in the USA.

​

Data Source: NRNA NCC USA membership 2019 & 2021 data & US Census

It is about time to make improvement on membership drive campaign to attract more youth and women from various communities. Unless we make this organization in the reflection of community construct, we will not be able to succeed in our objective. NRNA needs change on membership driving campaign strategy and make concentrated effort to encourage specific community leaders to join hand in bringing their community members to NRN movement.

​Also, there are professional and community based social organization, NRNA must take initiative to collaborate with these organization in its activities. Just hosting expert convention, women and youth convention in vacuum will not yield any result. Need to find common interest and collaborate result-orientedprojects.

We live in the USA and NRNA is registered organization under IRS as not for profit 501C3. As a result, NRNA enjoys tax exempt status. Hence, we must abide by IRS rules and regulations. We have to be careful, how we establish relationship with ICC and particularly must be very cautious on transfer of money as it might violate US laws and that might jeopardize organizational nonprofit status. The main purpose of NRNA to provide help or resources and serve a public and enriching the lives of people in the community. This affords a real opportunity to become an ambassador for NRN community and partner with US government.

US government always seeks partners in the communities across the nation to deliver goods and servicesto the community. Almost 80% of nonprofit organization revenue comes from government, fees for service. NRNA USA as an organization we must involve in the community works and go out of our comfort zone (Nepali community only) rather extend helping had to other local communities during natural disaster, election, census, pandemic, education, community services etc. as US government provides funds for such activities as this is much more inexpensive and efficient way to deliver services.

Beyond that in the context of Nepal, NRNA need to forge a partnership with USAID and be instrumental to deliver services on US government funded projects in Nepal. This will allow us to play liaison role between US and Nepal on development projects. NRNA can also offer public and private partnership (PPP) to US government and really take upon itself some critical issue such as climate changes, sanitation, education, rural health delivery system. This allows NRN with various background to contribute to development of Nepal and utilize untapped resources.  

​Summary: There are lots of challenges in our community, but we need to convert into opportunities in the interest of NRN. At the end, we all need to rise up above our own personal interests, partisan bickering, and work for common good for NRN, Nepal and Nepali people. We all have a role to play. I see there is tremendous potential in this organization, therefore just changing a leadership will not bring this to fruition, hence we need to choose visionary leaders with innovative ideas, who is not just well educated but also possess corporate and social work leadershipexperiences at local and chapter level.

Related News

Welcoming new Pope Leo XIV, Hindus hope he will lead efforts at interfaith dialogue

Lalitpur City basks in Nepal Super League glory

Dr. Sanjay Singh KC received Convocation at Washington, D.C

Hindu mantras to start the day of Nebraska Legislature