In the capital Kathmandu, Chinese rescuers in red uniforms have been searching for survivors in the rubble. (Reuters)
Two US lawmakers have introduced legislation in the Congress that would provide Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months to the victims of a quake that devastated Nepal last week.
Introduced by Al Green and Mike Honda, the 'Nepal Temporary Protected Status Act of 2015' grants TPS for the applicants if they had been continuously and lawfully present in the United States since April 25, 2015, the date when the earthquake occurred.
"The people of Nepal have suffered a calamitous tragedy, and I think providing TPS is necessary to help them attain a sense of stability in the United States while their country recovers," Mr Green said.
"A great nation does not force people to return to conditions that are unsafe and detrimental to their well-being. A great nation extends the hand of friendship to all during times of challenge and crisis," he said.
Temporary protected status is a temporary immigration status to the United States, granted to eligible nationals of designated countries.
The legislation would grant TPS for a period of 18 months following the date of its enactment.
Congressman Green discussed aid efforts by the US government and the current conditions in Nepal.
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) representative Marty McVey was also present in Washington.
At least 5,057 bodies have so far been recovered in Nepal after Saturday's devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck just outside of capital Kathmandu. Over 10,000 people have been injured in the quake.