Myanmar citizens to be stripped of legal protection, must leave US

 The administration has shown this as an improvement in the situation, citing the planned holding of elections by the military ruling group (in Myanmar).

The decision has raised concerns among Myanmar citizens living in the United States who may be forced to return to their home country or country of origin. The country has been in political turmoil since a military coup and the overthrow of the civilian government in 2021. Armed resistance began across Myanmar after the coup.

US Homeland Security Secretary Christy Noem has decided, after consulting with various government agencies, that there is no longer a need to continue TPS for Myanmar. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has outlined the rationale for the decision in a statement.

There are about 4,000 Myanmar citizens in the United States who are beneficiaries of TPS. The DHS said that the benefit for them will end on January 26.

“This decision returns TPS to its original temporary status,” said Christy Noem, using another name for Myanmar. “The situation in Burma has improved enough that citizens can safely return there. Therefore, we are ending the temporary recognition.”

“Burma has made significant improvements in its governance and stability. These include ending the state of emergency, planning for free and fair elections, successful ceasefire agreements, and improvements in local governance; which are helping to accelerate public services and national integration,” Noem said.

The DHS also noted in an official statement that the military government of Myanmar has engaged in ceasefire talks with ethnic armed groups. China has played a role in this mediation. DHS compared the talks to earlier peace efforts and portrayed them as positive.

Reuters reports.