Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burma/ Myanmar

Due to the military coup in Burma (also known as Myanmar), the Biden Administration has announced it is designating the nation for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This means that Burmese nationals who have been in the United States since March 11, 2021, may receive legal permission to live and work in the United States for 18 months.

Only individuals who have been in the United States since March 11, 2021, are eligible for TPS under Burma’s designation.

Burmese nationals might also want to look into applying for asylum in the U.S., if they have a particular reason to fear that they would be targeted upon returning to Burma. Applicants need to show that they have been persecuted or have a credible fear of persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.

If so, applying for asylum might ultimately be the better option, though asylum applicants can also apply for TPS.