Nepali-Owned Businesses in the U.S. Struggle Amid Immigration Crackdowns

With increased deportations and visa issues, many Nepali-run businesses in the U.S. are facing a workforce crisis. Nepali immigrants own thousands of gas stations, restaurants, convenience stores, and trucking companies, but labor shortages due to immigration crackdowns are making operations difficult.

Take Pashupati Grocery in Queens, New York, run by Prem and Sita Bhandari. Their store, a lifeline for the Nepali community, is struggling to find employees because many undocumented workers have left due to fear of deportation.

“Every week, I hear of someone from our community being picked up by ICE. Employees don’t want to take the risk anymore,” said Prem.
A Nepali trucking company owner in Dallas also shared concerns. “My drivers are scared to cross state lines because of immigration checkpoints. If I lose them, I lose my business.”

Community leaders are advocating for legal work permits for Nepalis to help businesses survive, but with political tensions rising, many fear that things will get worse before they get better.