The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will extend Myanmar’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for another 18 months, from November 26, 2022 to May 25, 2024, as special and temporary conditions in Myanmar prevent individuals from returning safely. In addition, the Department of Homeland Security announced the redesignation of Myanmar as a TPS for the same reason, allowing Myanmar nationals (and stateless individuals who last habitually resided in Myanmar) residing in the United States as of September 25, 2022 to be eligible for the TPS.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the February 2021 military coup resulted in continued violence, massive human rights violations, including arbitrary detention and the use of lethal force against unarmed individuals, mass displacement of civilians, deteriorating humanitarian conditions and access to shelter, food , water and health care, and triggered an economic crisis. These circumstances prevent the safe return of Myanmar nationals and permanent residents.
“The people of Myanmar continue to suffer a complex and worsening humanitarian crisis due to military coups, unrest and brutal violence against civilians by security forces,” said Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Under this extension and redesignation, Myanmar nationals and permanent residents will be eligible to remain in the U.S. temporarily until conditions in the country improve and individuals can return safely.”
Myanmar’s TPS extension allows approximately 970 current beneficiaries to retain TPS until May 25, 2024, as long as they continue to meet TPS eligibility requirements. It is estimated that after redesignating Myanmar, approximately 2,290 people may be eligible for TPS.
Current beneficiaries of extended TPS re-enrollment in Myanmar must re-enroll in time within the 60-day re-enrollment period from September 27, 2022 to November 26, 2022 to ensure they maintain their TPS and work authorization without gaps.
For more information, please visit USCIS.
