Temporary Protected Status Terminated for Citizens of Burma (Myanmar)

The Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (“TPS”) for nationals of Burma (Myanmar). After reviewing current country conditions, DHS has determined that Burma no longer meets the statutory requirements for TPS. As a result, the termination will take effect 60 days after its publication in the Federal Register, meaning that TPS status and all related benefits, including work and travel authorization, will no longer be valid starting January 26, 2025.

By way of background, TPS is offered to nationals of a country experiencing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, epidemic, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevent safe return. This protection allows individuals to live and work in the United States until circumstances in their home country improve sufficiently to allow for safe repatriation.

Burma was first designated for TPS in May 2021 under the Biden administration following the military coup and ongoing instability. The designation was extended twice, with the most recent extension set to expire on November 25, 2025. However, after concluding that conditions in Burma have improved overall, the Secretary of Homeland Security has determined that the country no longer satisfies the criteria for TPS. This termination is expected to affect almost 4,000 Burmese nationals currently residing in the United States under TPS.

As a result, Burmese nationals with TPS must depart the United States by January 26, 2025, unless they obtain another form of lawful immigration status. Individuals departing the United States should report their timely exit on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP Home App.

This alert is for informational purposes only. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this development further.