By Nati Babu Bhatta, COLORADO:- Senator Michael Bennett of the United States and Representative Joe Neguse of the United States made a clear commitment to raise these concerns of the Nepali and immigrant communities in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives upon their return to Washington, D.C. Senator Bennett pledged to continue opposing country-based visa restrictions.
MP Neguse also pledged to take the same initiative in the House of Representatives. Both leaders made it clear that these commitments were not just symbolic but would be concrete initiatives for solutions, assuring that the voices of the communities raised in Westminster would be taken directly to the US Parliament and that legal initiatives would be taken to protect and empower the immigrant and small business communities.
U.S. Senator and gubernatorial candidate Michael Bennett noted that issues such as immigration policy, protecting small businesses, and public safety are not isolated issues but are interconnected with the overall future of Colorado. He emphasized the need to ensure equal participation and voice in decision-making for every community.
US House of Representatives member Joe Neguse also noted that the Nepali community is an integral part of Colorado’s social and economic fabric, and said that the state’s bright future is not possible without the participation and empowerment of the Nepali community.
Colorado Attorney General candidate Michael Dougherty pledged that if elected, the Attorney General’s office would serve as a legal shield for all communities.
As the 2026 Colorado gubernatorial primary election takes place on June 30, 2026, events like these have further highlighted the growing political participation of the state’s diverse communities and the importance of the upcoming election.
Small business owner Bikash Tripathi complained that locally run convenience stores were being severely affected as large franchise gas stations opened on every corner. He also questioned the lack of a uniform minimum wage across the state for small businesses, making it difficult to compete on labor costs with large chain companies.
NRNA NCC America Secretary Sangita Lama Lamichhane and small business owner Padam Bishwakarma expressed concern over the increasing hate crimes against various ethnic and cultural communities in Colorado and questioned the candidates about their clear views and concrete strategies for controlling such crimes.
Small business owner Basanta Lamsal inquired about the candidates’ plans regarding the protection of Colorado’s “sanctuary city” policy and the safeguarding of the immigrant community from potential impacts caused by the current federal administration.
R.C. Pant, General Secretary of NRNA NCC USA, raised the issue of how the visa restrictions imposed on 75 countries have affected hundreds of thousands of families worldwide—particularly the Nepali immigrant community—with Senator Bennet, asking for the Senator’s views on the matter and questioning why it had not been accorded high priority.
The event, hosted and coordinated by Narayan Shrestha, President of Helping Hands Education, saw participants enthusiastically ask questions and express their support for US Senator Michael Bennett and US Representative Joe Neguse. The candidates answered all the questions raised during the event in detail.
In his closing remarks, Chairperson Narayan Shrestha thanked both elected representatives for taking the time to engage in direct dialogue with the community. He also commended the Nepali community’s active participation, commitment to the democratic process, and meaningful dialogue, while urging everyone to vote without fail in the upcoming election after careful consideration.
The program, organized by the Nepali Cultural Center Nepali Gharam, saw a notable presence of representatives from various Nepali community organizations, including NRNA NCC America, Rocky Mountain Friends of Nepal, Nepali Ghar, Tamu Pye Lhu, Newa Khalah, Global Films, Blood Donors of America, INLS, and others.
The event, which was well-attended by representatives of the Nepali-speaking community, was presented as an opportunity to hear the community’s voice ahead of the 2026 primary elections, with an extensive Q&A session on important topics such as immigration policy, small business protection, public safety, and civil rights.
The event was attended by influential Democratic Party leaders and candidates, including Senator and leading candidate for governor Michael Bennett, Representative Joe Neguse from Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, current Boulder County District Attorney and Attorney General candidate Michael Dougherty, Westminster City Mayor Clara Carmelia, Boulder County Commissioner Marta Lochamin, former Superior City Mayor Tim Folsom, as well as representatives from various city, county, and state levels.
