Over 42,000 Nepalese Granted US Green Cards in Past Five Years

Green Card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, grants non-citizens the right to live and work permanently in the United States. In the past five years, more than 42,000 Nepalese citizens have received U.S. Green Cards, marking a significant trend in immigration and global mobility for the people of Nepal. This shift represents not only the pursuit of the American Dream but also deeper socio-economic, political, and educational motives behind migration. With increasing access to opportunities and changes in U.S. immigration policies, Nepalese communities are growing and thriving in the United States like never before.

In this blog, we’ll take a comprehensive look into the reasons behind this surge, what a U.S. Green Card means, how Nepalese nationals are obtaining them, and what implications this has for both the United States and Nepal.

What Is a U.S. Green Card?

A Green Card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, grants non-citizens the right to live and work permanently in the United States. Green Card holders enjoy many of the same rights as citizens, except voting in federal elections. It is often a key step toward gaining U.S. citizenship through naturalization.

There are several ways to obtain a Green Card:

• Family-based immigration

• Employment-based immigration

• Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery

• Refugee or asylum status

• Special immigrant categories

The Rise in Numbers: Why Over 42,000 Nepalese in 5 Years?

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Nepal has seen a consistent increase in the number of Green Card recipients. Here’s a rough estimate of the number of Nepalese granted Green Cards in the past five years:

Diversity Visa Lottery: A Major Channel for Nepalese

One of the biggest contributors to this surge is the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program. Nepal is one of the most successful countries in terms of per capita Green Card winners under this program.

Each year, the U.S. government allocates 50,000 Diversity Visas to people from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S. Nepal has consistently ranked among the top 10 countries in DV selection and approval rates.

Why Is the DV Lottery So Popular in Nepal?

• Low-cost application process

• High public awareness and media coverage

• Active support from consultancies and agents

• Perceived as a “life-changing” opportunity

• No job offer or sponsorship required.

 Other Common Immigration Pathways for Nepalese

While the DV Lottery is prominent, Nepalese citizens also migrate through other channels:

1. Family-Based Sponsorship

Nepalese already residing in the U.S. can sponsor family members like spouses, parents, and children.

2. Employment-Based Immigration

Highly skilled workers (especially in IT, healthcare, and academics) migrate under H-1B visas, which can later transition to Green Cards.

3. Students Turning Immigrants

Thousands of Nepalese students in the U.S. use Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM extensions to gain work experience and later shift to immigrant status.

4. Asylum and Humanitarian Immigration

Some Nepalese have sought asylum in the U.S. due to political, ethnic, or religious persecution.

 What Motivates Nepalese to Migrate to the U.S.?

The motivations are diverse and often deeply personal:

 Better Opportunities

• Higher salaries and job opportunities

• World-class education and research

• Stable and safe environment for families

Education

• Scholarships and financial aid for deserving students

• Global recognition of U.S. degrees

• Career advancement prospects

Family Reunification

Many Green Card recipients are spouses or children of previous immigrants.

 Political and Social Freedoms

People seeking escape from political instability or limited freedoms in Nepal see the U.S. as a democratic haven.

 Where Do Nepalese Green Card Holders Settle in the U.S.?

Nepalese immigrants have formed vibrant communities in several states, especially:

• Texas (Dallas, Houston)

• New York (Queens, Bronx)

• California (San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles)

• Ohio (Columbus)

• Colorado (Denver)

• Virginia & Maryland (Suburban DC areas)

These communities have established Nepali associations, temples, grocery stores, restaurants, and even schools that help new arrivals adjust and flourish.

 The Impact on Nepal

While the U.S. gains hardworking, skilled immigrants, Nepal sees a brain drain but also benefits through remittances, investments, and global exposure.

 Economic Impact

• Remittances from the U.S. contribute significantly to Nepal’s economy.

• Immigrants often support extended families back home.

 Brain Drain Concerns

• Loss of skilled professionals

• Shortage of manpower in sectors like healthcare and IT

 Global Networking

• Rise of Nepali diaspora involvement in international development, business, and education

• Knowledge transfer and collaboration between Nepalese abroad and institutions in Nepal

 What’s Next for Nepalese Immigration?

The trend is expected to continue due to:

• High demand for DV Lottery

• Ongoing migration through family and work visas

• Political and economic uncertainty in Nepal

However, there’s also growing awareness about the challenges of settling abroad:

• Cultural adjustments

• Immigration policy changes

• Emotional stress from separation

So, while many Nepalese continue to seek a future in the U.S., there’s also a push for better opportunities within Nepal to reduce excessive migration.

Final Thoughts

The fact that over 42,000 Nepalese received U.S. Green Cards in the last five years is both a testament to the aspirations of the people and a reflection of global migration patterns. For many, it represents a new beginning, not just for themselves but for generations to come.

Yet, it also raises important questions about how Nepal can retain its talent while still encouraging global mobility. As Nepalese communities continue to grow and thrive in the U.S., their role as cultural ambassadors, economic contributors, and changemakers will only become more significant.