A Call for New TPS Designation + Urge to Vote on Nov 3rd

Newsletters

Oct 21

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. As staff, we reflected on the disturbing reports of sexual violence at Cornell and the barriers that survivors face in accessing safety and justice. And we know that violence against women happens within our community as well: Preliminary findings from Adhikaar's Community Survey reveal that 18% of respondents identified domestic violence as an occurrence within their communities in New York City. We are taking this data seriously and will continue to cultivate spaces where survivors can access legal and other culturally appropriate resources. These conversations come at a time when mass demonstrations and demands for accountability for violence against women are also taking place in Nepal and India, the birthplaces of many of our members.

A Call for New TPS Designation to Keep Families Together

Following the devastating August 26 Bhote Koshi floods along the Nepal-Tibet border, Adhikaar joined efforts for a **new Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Nepal**. We are supporting two congressional requests, backed by fifty seven members of Congress and more than two hundred organizations, seeking protections for Nepali nationals in the U.S. who have no safe place to return. Nepal’s TPS was terminated in February.
Last month, Adhikaar and NRNA NY Chapter hosted a community gathering where flood-affected families shared their grief, resilience, and hopes. Backed by over 50 Nepali-serving organizations, we also issued a collective appeal to the Government of Nepal to formally request a new TPS designation from the U.S. government. Alongside national partners, we continue advocating for temporary protections, including Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). Families already facing devastating losses deserve protection, stability, and time to rebuild not forced return or separation.
You can follow campaign updates on our socials.

Make a Plan to Vote on November 3rd

With the midterm elections approaching, Adhikaar is expanding voter registration, civic education, and Get Out the Vote efforts across New York and New Jersey. In partnership with OPAWL in Minnesota and Asian Refugees United (ARU) in Pennsylvania, we are exploring a Nepali-language voter information warmline to make voting more accessible. Our growing Nepali and Himalayan communities have the power to shape decisions that affect our lives. Check your registration, make a voting plan, and encourage eligible family and friends to vote.

Important dates: Early voting runs October 24–November 1, Election Day is November 3.

9/11 Anniversary: We are still in challenging times

This should come as no surprise: Adhikaar, like so many groups organizing South Asians that were founded in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, are still experiencing unprecedented detentions and deportations and restrictive federal policies that are making life in the U.S. difficult for so many families - even twenty five years later.
Effective September 18, 2026, the new public charge rule may put individuals eligible for a green card or visa at risk if they access a government subsidy. Adhikaar is working with legal partners to monitor this rule, address misinformation, and provide multilingual guidance so families can make informed decisions. Join us on socials to learn about our next **Ask Me Anything** session, a free, confidential legal space for community members to get expert advice.
And, we know that advocacy produces results: This quarter, we welcomed the release of a community member who had been detained for more than a month, following a second bond hearing. We are grateful to the attorneys and advocates whose efforts helped reunite this individual with their loved ones.

New Immigrant Navigation Offers Full Circle Support

Our fall cohort of New Immigrant Navigation classes is underway– and it’s been beautiful to witness. Members who first learned about Adhikaar at a neighborhood playground are now bringing other women to class, building friendships, and learning about their rights.
One participant is expecting a baby and shared how nice it has been to come to a space where she can speak her language and share her struggles and joys. As she prepares to welcome her little one, we also encourage her – and any members whose circumstances don’t allow them to physically come to the office- to stay connected virtually.

Adhikaar Youth Forum Builds Power & Solidarity

Adhikaar