The United States has announced it will revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for thousands of Myanmar nationals, arguing that conditions in the conflict-hit country have improved enough for citizens to return safely.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the decision followed consultations led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who determined that Myanmar no longer meets the criteria for TPS.
“The situation in Burma has improved enough that it is safe for Burmese citizens to return home, so we are terminating Temporary Protected Status,” Noem said, pointing to the end of the state of emergency, planned elections, ceasefire agreements, and what she described as improved governance.
The DHS statement also credited the military junta for engaging in ceasefire talks with ethnic armed groups, highlighting China’s role as mediator and comparing current negotiations favourably to past efforts. The move has sparked concern among advocates, who warn that many could be forced back to a country still grappling with the aftermath of the 2021 military coup and ongoing armed resistance.
