The United States announced it was ending deportation protection for those from civil war-torn Myanmar, the latest nation to have Temporary Protected Status terminated amid the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the termination of TPS for Myanmar on Monday, saying it will be in effect in 60 days, on January 26.
Some 3 670 Myanmar nationals were in the United States under the TPS programme, according to the National Immigration Forum nonprofit based in Washington, D.C.
The previous Biden administration designated Myanmar for TPS in May 2021 in response to civil conflict that erupted in the country following the February 1, 2021, military coup. The designation has been repeatedly renewed until Monday.
According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners in Myanmar, the junta has killed at least 7 488 people, with 30 013 others arrested, and nearly 22 700 still detained.
Since the coup began, more than 275 000 Myanmar nationals have sought refuge or asylum in neighboring countries, according to United Nations statistics.
In terminating deportation protections for those from Myanmar, Noem said the situation in the country “has improved enough that it is safe for Burmese citizens to return home” and conditions no longer meet TPS statutory requirements.
“Burma has made notable progress in governance and stability, including the end of its state of emergency, plans for free and fair elections, successful cease-fire agreements and improved local governance contributing to enhanced public service delivery and national reconciliation,” she said in a statement.
The announcement comes less than a week after the United States co-sponsored a resolution on the situation facing minorities in Myanmar, with Michael Heath, US senior adviser for East Asian and Pacific affairs, stating they “remain deeply concerned” by evidence of human rights violations and abuses continuing to be committed by both the military and other armed groups engaged in the civil war.
The Trump administration has sought to end TPS for nine country, affecting more than 675 000 immigrants in the United States, according to Carolyn Tran, executive director of Communities United for Status and Protection. (UPI)
