Interview with Bandita Sharma Dahal about Nepalese Americans

Nepalese Americans are Americans whose ethnic origins lie fully or partially in any part of Nepal. The category sometimes also includes other Nepali language speaking Indian, Bhutanese and Burmese people migrated from India, Bhutan and Myanmar respectively. Their migration to the United States began in the 20th century, and they have been able to establish themselves as Americans in this new land. The history of immigration to America from Nepal is short in comparison to other ethnic groups. The words "Nepali" and "Nepalis" are more commonly used by Nepalese Americans and are gaining widespread popularity in English usage as opposed to Nepalese, which is an Anglicized version. Major ethnic groups of Nepalese Americans consists of Paharis, Madhesis and Tharus. Nepalese Americans seem to have begun migrating to the United States from early 20th century. The first Nepalese to enter the United States were classified as "other Asian". Immigration records show that between 1881 and 1890 1,910 "other Asians" were admitted to the United States. However, Nepal did not open its borders until 1950, and most Nepalis who left the country during that time primarily went to India to study. Nepalese Americans were first classified as a separate ethnic group in 1974, when 56 Nepalese had immigrated to the United States.wikipedia