Over two dozen Bhutanese refugees, previously resettled in the US, have been deported back to Bhutan only to be rejected and left in legal limbo. These Lhotshampa refugees, expelled from Bhutan in the 1990s, had lived in Nepal before resettlement. Following convictions of various crimes in the US, they were deported, ending up back in Nepali refugee camps without documentation. Nepal is unwilling to accept them permanently, creating a diplomatic stalemate, as Bhutan refuses repatriation and the US shows no sign of taking them back. The situation highlights a humanitarian crisis and questions US deportation practices.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.