The Trump administration said on Monday it is ending temporary legal status for citizens of Myanmar in the United States, arguing they can safely return to the war-torn Southeast Asian country and citing the military junta’s planned elections as evidence of an improving situation.
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The move sparked concern for individuals who may be forced to return to Myanmar, which has been in political turmoil since the military seized power in a 2021 coup, ousting a civilian government and sparking a nationwide armed resistance.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem had conferred with US government agencies and concluded that the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Myanmar was no longer needed, the US Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that justified the move.
“This decision restores TPS to its original status as temporary,” Noem said in the statement.
“The situation in Burma has improved enough that it is safe for Burmese citizens to return home, so we are terminating the Temporary Protected Status,” she said, using another name for Myanmar.
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“Burma has made notable progress in governance and stability, including the end of its state of emergency, plans for free and fair elections, successful ceasefire agreements, and improved local governance contributing to enhanced public service delivery and national reconciliation.”
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Myanmar election to be held by January, junta chief says
Myanmar election to be held by January, junta chief says