Burma/Myanmar has been designated for Temporary Protected Status (“TPS”). The status will last for 18 months from March 12, 2021, and follows closely on the heels of the recent designation of Venezuela for TPS on March 9, 2021. The two recent designations were made by the Secretary of Homeland, Alejandro Mayorkas who was recently confirmed by a 56 to 43 vote in the U.S. Senate, in being confirmed he became the first Latino to hold the position. The designations and the speed at which they were issued so soon after Mayorkas’ confirmation, demonstrate a commitment to swift actions when the administration considers them necessary. This also constitutes a strong departure from the immigration policy of the prior administration which saw multiple countries lose their TPS designations after many years of re-designations. Please contract our office to discuss your eligibility and the requirements for applying for TPS.
According to the Department of Homeland Security news release: “’Due to the military coup and security forces’ brutal violence against civilians, the people of Burma are suffering a complex and deteriorating humanitarian crisis in many parts of the country,’ said Secretary Mayorkas. ‘After a thorough review of this dire situation, I have designated Burma for Temporary Protected Status so that Burmese nationals and habitual residents may remain temporarily in the United States.
Secretary Mayorkas decided to designate Burma for TPS after consultation with interagency partners and careful consideration of the extraordinary and temporary conditions in Burma caused by the coup, which has led to continuing violence, pervasive arbitrary detentions, the use of lethal violence against peaceful protesters, and intimidation of the people of Burma. The coup has worsened humanitarian conditions in several areas by limiting access to life-saving assistance, disrupting flights carrying humanitarian and medical aid, and spurring an economic crisis. Such conditions prevent Burmese nationals and habitual residents from returning safely. A country may be designated for TPS if the Secretary determines that current country conditions fall into one or more of the three statutory bases for designation: ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or extraordinary and temporary conditions.” <https://www.dhs.gov/news/2021/03/12/secretary-mayorkas-designates-burma-temporary-protected-status> Release Date: March 12, 2021.
