Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas is designating Burma for Temporary
Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. This new designation of Burma for TPS enables
Burmese nationals (and individuals without nationality who last habitually resided
in Burma) currently residing in the United States to file initial applications for
TPS, so long as they meet eligibility requirements.
“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.
Only individuals who are already residing in the United States are eligible for TPS.
Individuals who can demonstrate continuous residence in the United States as of March
11, 2021, are eligible for TPS under Burma’s designation. For their own health and
safety, individuals should not believe smugglers or others claiming the border is
now open. Due to the pandemic, travel and admission restrictions at the border remain
in place.
In addition to demonstrating continuous residence in the United States since March
11, 2021, initial applicants for TPS under this designation must meet other eligibility
criteria, which will be detailed in a forthcoming Federal Register notice. All individuals
applying for TPS undergo security and background checks as part of determining eligibility.
The Federal Register notice will explain the eligibility criteria applicants must
meet and describe procedures necessary to submit an initial TPS application and apply
for work authorization documentation.