From Hopes to Hardships: An Ethnographic Investigation of the Abuse, Exploitation, and Fears Faced by Nepali Migrants Crossing into the U.S. through Mexico

This thesis explores the experiences of Nepali migrants who enter the United States through irregular channels, driven by the hope of improving their lives. On their unauthorized journey that spans Nepal and many countries in Asia, Europe, Africa, South America, and Central America, they face significant challenges, including physical violence from both armed groups and state security forces. They pay exorbitant fees to intermediaries who facilitate their clandestine passage. However, upon arrival in the U.S., they encounter unexpected hardships, primarily due to prolonged uncertainty surrounding their asylum applications. The absence of full legal status, work permits, and unresolved asylum cases brings them daily struggles in finding decent employment and housing. These migrants endure profound psychological distress, compounded by the lack of support from both state and non-state actors. This study examines the lived experiences of Nepali migrants who, disillusioned by the “American Dream,” grapple with the realities of life in the U.S. Their expectations of escaping unemployment and insecurity and supporting their families are often unmet. Drawing from in-depth interviews, observations of their daily lives, and fieldwork at the U.S.-Mexico border, the research reveals the true costs of their lives in limbo. The study analyzes these experiences using theoretical frameworks related to the migration industry, illegality, deportability, liminality, mobility regimes, border control, securitization, and criminalization. Ultimately, this research uncovers the dehumanization and loss of dignity that Nepali migrants face in their pursuit of a better future. It also provides recommendations for improving their conditions and addressing the challenges they encounter.