Feb 10 2025 30 mins 1
Tell us how we're doing, or just say hi
Hi everyone. Today we're speaking with Tanka Dhakal, a journalist who’s currently doing a Master’s degree in the US. He’ll tell us about how the targeting of migrants in that country affected a city council meeting he was reporting on. But what I think is even more interesting is Tanka’s personal reaction to that meeting.
But before we get to that, I want to let you know that you can now support Nepal Now with a monthly subscription. This is totally voluntary, but if you want to do it the cost starts at 3 US dollars a month, up to $10. You choose the amount. The money will help defray my costs for making the show. For now, you can subscribe only by credit card, which I know isn’t possible for everyone – if you really want to support us and don’t have a credit card let me know and we can work out a mobile money transfer. Depending on where you’re listening to this, you might see a link in the episode notes called Support the Show, under the resources heading. Click on that. Otherwise, go to nepalnowpod.buzzsprout.com, then click on Subscribe to see your options.
Welcome to Nepal Now: On the Move. My name is Marty Logan. This is the podcast that talks to some of the hundreds of thousands of people migrating from — and sometimes to — this small country surrounded by global giants China and India. Months later we try to reach out again to find out if reality in their new, temporary, home is meeting expectations. Occasionally we call in an expert to try and better understand all of this movement.
Back to today’s episode. You’ve probably heard about the list of 1,300-plus names of undocumented Nepalis who are supposed to be deported from the US. I heard a rumour last week that about 100 have already been returned, but there’s been no confirmation. I think what Tanka’s account makes clear is that you don’t need to be undocumented to be living in fear in the US today.
A couple of notes before we start: Tanka mentions that Nepalis have paid 50 lakh to 70 lakh to travel to the US illegally. That’s roughly $36,000 - $50,000. I’ve heard of people paying even more. He also talks about university students with DACA status. Known also as ‘dreamers’, those are undocumented people who entered the US as minors.
Resources
Article - US to deport 1,365 Nepalis
You can subscribe to Nepal Now for as little as $3 a month. Your support will help to defray the costs of making the show. And you'll also get a shout-out in a future episode.
You can also show your love by sending this episode to someone who you think might be interested or sharing it on social media:
LinkedIn
Instagram
BlueSky
Facebook
Music by audionautix.com.
Thank you to Himal Media in Patan Dhoka for the use of their studio.
Nepal Now is produced and hosted by Marty Logan.
