Nearly 100,000 Nepali Americans Eligible to Vote, with 35,000 First-Time Voters in US Presidential Election; Enthusiasm Levels Vary
प्रकाशित मिति : भाद्र ३०, २०८१ आईतबार
As the 2024 U.S. presidential election draws near, nearly 100,000 Nepali Americans are eligible to vote, with around 35,000 poised to cast their ballots for the first time.
By 2014, 20,926 Nepali Americans had obtained U.S. citizenship. Over the next decade, an additional 66,000 Nepalis became U.S. citizens. According to the Department of Homeland Security, 56,863 Nepalis were naturalized between 2015 and 2023. Including estimates for 2024, the total reaches around 66,000.
Approximately 87,000 Nepalis have obtained U.S. citizenship to date. This marks a significant increase of about 314.29%, or roughly 4.14 times, in the Nepali American population from 2014 to 2024. When including second-generation Nepali Americans born in the U.S., the total population is nearly 100,000.
In the fiscal year 2023, 7,930 Nepalis obtained U.S. citizenship. In 2022, the number was 9,408, and in 2021, 7,232 Nepalis were naturalized. With approximately 10,000 Nepalis obtained U.S. citizenship in 2024, nearly 35,000 Nepalis have become U.S. citizens since the 2020 presidential election. This means they will be eligible to vote in the upcoming U.S. presidential election for the first time.
Yet, enthusiasm and priorities among these voters diverge significantly, reflecting the diverse experiences and generational shifts within the community.
For many first-generation Nepali Americans, immigration remains a paramount concern. Nabaraj KC, a 45-year-old immigrant from Queens, New York, underscores this issue. “The first generation focuses on immigration issues or healthcare access,” KC says. “But the second generation might prioritize policy issues such as employment opportunities, healthcare access, immigration issues, civic engagement, educational opportunities, cultural preservation, and political involvement.”
KC, who has been an active participant in local politics, believes that the growing Nepali community and generational differences will significantly impact voting patterns and political engagement. “The influence of Nepali Americans can amplify their political voices on the local, national, and global stages,” he notes.
Similarly, Somnath Ghimire, a 55-year-old first-generation immigrant and Queens resident, echoes the importance of political engagement. “We must engage, educate, and encourage Nepali Americans to participate in politics,” Ghimire insists. He believes that political schooling from Nepal may influence the ease with which Nepali Americans socialize and engage with politics. Ghimire emphasizes that political participation is crucial to addressing community issues and breaking barriers related to legal obstacles and representation.
For some in the younger generation, such as 19-year-old Dikshya Poudel from Queens, enthusiasm for voting can be subdued. Poudel, who will vote for the first time this year, expresses a lack of excitement, stating, “I am not really that interested in this year’s election because I feel like both parties are similar in a sense.” Poudel’s primary concerns are healthcare and student debt, reflecting a shift in focus among many second-generation Nepali Americans.
Nevin Chetry, a 31-year-old second-generation Nepali American and immigration attorney in NYC, illustrates the interconnected nature of immigration with other issues like education and healthcare. Chetry is keenly interested in the election, noting that “the outcome will significantly shape the country’s trajectory,” especially amid discussions surrounding Trump’s candidacy. He acknowledges the complexities of immigration and its impact on infrastructure, public services, and housing in New York City.
James Karmacharya, a 19-year-old student at Columbia University and 1.5-generation immigrant, will also vote for the first time this year. He attributes the varied political engagement within his generation to cultural differences and a lack of familiarity with the political system. “Cultural differences and the emphasis on maintaining strong ties to one’s heritage often lead to a focus on community issues rather than broader political engagement,” Karmacharya explains.
Despite his initial reservations, Karmacharya feels a strong sense of duty and anticipates being an active participant in the election. “I look forward to being a more active participant in this year’s election,” he says. “It’s a new and profound experience that has made me feel more in tune with the decisions we collectively make as a nation.”
Karmacharya’s brother, Prince Karmacharya, a 22-year-old U.S. citizen, also shares his commitment to voting and civic participation. He acknowledges the challenges faced by 1.5-generation immigrants, including limited representation and the duality of cultural identity, which can contribute to disengagement. “Limited representation and role models in politics contribute to the feeling that one’s interests are not reflected,” he notes.
Nabaraj KC believes that Nepali community-based organizations can play a crucial role in mobilizing voters. “Political engagement, voter turnout, and participation in both primary and general elections are essential for developing political alliances,” KC asserts. He emphasizes that such alliances can shape the political landscape, promote diversity and inclusion, and influence policy priorities benefiting the community.
Cover : Nepali women wave Nepali flags during the Nepal Day Parade in NYC. (Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography Office)
This article is part of U.S. Democracy Day, a nationwide collaborative on Sept. 15, the International Day of Democracy, in which news organizations cover how democracy works and the threats it faces. To learn more, visit usdemocracyday.org.