The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced an extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burma for an additional 18 month period. TPS for Burmese nationals will now extend from November 26, 2022 through May 25, 2024. In addition to the extension, DHS also redesignated Burma for TPS, opening up eligibility to all Burmese nationals residing in the U.S. as of September 25, 2022.
DHS Secretary Mayorkas cited the Burmese military junta’s “brutal violence against civilians” and the country’s ensuing humanitarian crisis as reasons for the TPS extension and redesignation. “Under this extension and redesignation, Burmese nationals and habitual residents will be eligible to temporarily stay in the United States until conditions in the country improve,” said Mayorkas. Burma has seen an increase in state-sponsored violence and widespread human rights abuses since a military coup d’état in February 2021, making it difficult for residents to safely return.
According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), there are currently 970 beneficiaries that will benefit from Burma’s extended TPS designation. It is also estimated that over 2,000 additional individuals will now be eligible to apply for TPS under Burma’s redesignation. In the announcement, USCIS pledged to continue processing pending TPS applications that were filed under Burma’s initial designation. First-time applicants that are now eligible can also file Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, through May 25, 2024.