In the U.S., nearly 20,000 Nepali students left jobless after arrests and deportations from gas stations!

The news of a Nepali individual being arrested while working at a gas station and subsequently deported from the Human Tillerson University in Austin, USA, has created panic within the Nepali community. Especially, most Nepali students studying in American universities are employed in restaurants, hotels, and gas stations. When the news from Austin spread across the U.S. and reached their relatives in Nepal, many students stopped going to work. While many were given leave from their jobs, some chose to quit on their own. Since students are not allowed to work outside of college, those who were engaged in illegal employment are now facing difficulties in managing their daily lives. In response to the incident, international student offices at various colleges have issued internal emails advising students not to work outside campus and to protect their legal status.

Moreover, the U.S. government has a legal provision to fine companies or business owners over $5,000 if they are found employing illegal workers. This law, which was not strictly enforced by previous administrations, was implemented under the Trump administration. If a business is found employing illegal workers multiple times, the fine amount doubles each time. Due to the fear among students and business owners alike, nearly 20,000 Nepali students are at risk of becoming unemployed.

As President Donald Trump enforced plans to deport undocumented immigrants, Nepali students were also affected. During raids to find illegal immigrants, police have been conducting daily inspections of thousands of businesses. Those residing legally and holding valid work permits are exempt, but if undocumented individuals are found working, they are given warnings, arrested, or deported. This crackdown has particularly impacted Nepali students, creating panic in the community. The strict enforcement of rules has not only prevented students from working but has also affected thousands of restaurants, hotels, and gas stations.

Officers and officials assigned to arrest undocumented immigrants often visit workplaces in plain clothes, observe the situation, conduct raids based on suspicion, and deport individuals rapidly using military aircraft. As a result, many undocumented workers have been forced to leave urban areas, leading to a decline in business for restaurants, hotels, and gas stations. There is no immediate solution to this situation other than waiting to see how long it will last.