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Meng Cosponsors Bill to Protect Nepal Earthquake Victims Presently in the U.S.

April 29, 2015
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) today cosponsored legislation that grants Temporary Protected Status to Nepalese citizens presently in the United States who have been impacted by the devastating earthquake that struck their country on Saturday.
The Temporary Protected Status Act of 2015 would protect citizens of Nepal from deportation or detainment so that they are not forced to return to unsafe conditions in their homeland.
"Our hearts go out to all who have been affected by the horrible tragedy in Nepal," said Meng, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and its Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific. "The loss of life, injuries and destruction of property is overwhelming. The U.S. and international community must continue to assist with much needed relief and recovery efforts, and this legislation would help as well by ensuring that citizens of Nepal are not forced to return to the dangerous and disastrous conditions that the earthquake has caused in their country."
In order to qualify for Temporary Protected Status, applicants must have been continuously and lawfully present in the U.S. since April 25, the date when the earthquake occurred. Status would be granted for 18 months.
Temporary Protected Status is a temporary immigrant status that is provided by the U.S. when conditions in a country prevent its citizens from returning safely such as natural disaster, civil war or other extraordinary and temporary conditions.