What Happened — TPS for Myanmar Ended
On November 24, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it is terminating TPS protections for Myanmar nationals. Reuters+2Federal Register+2
- The termination will take effect at 11:59 p.m. on January 26, 2026. Federal Register+2E-Verify+2
- At that time, roughly 4,000 people currently protected under TPS from Myanmar will no longer have legal status under this program. Axios+2Saint Paul Minnesota+2
DHS justified the decision by stating that “conditions in Burma no longer meet the statutory requirements” for TPS — signalling that, according to their review, the country is no longer considered to pose the kind of temporary danger that TPS covers. USCIS+2Saluja Law Offices+2
What Does TPS Usually Provide — And What Will End
Under TPS, eligible foreign nationals receive:
- Protection from deportation (i.e., cannot be removed solely because of their immigration status) USCIS+1
- Authorization to work legally in the U.S. (via an Employment Authorization Document — EAD) USCIS+1
For Myanmar nationals, both protections will end on January 26, 2026. After that date:
- TPS holders may lose their legal status and become subject to deportation. Ahluwalia Law+2I-9 Intelligence+2
- Work authorization tied solely to TPS will expire — meaning job eligibility ends unless another valid status is secured. I-9 Intelligence+1
TPS does not automatically convert into permanent residency or citizenship. It has always been a temporary humanitarian protection, not a path to permanence. American Immigration Council+1
Why This Is Causing Concern — Voices from the Myanmar Community
- Many community members say that their fear of returning home remains high. Despite the U.S. government’s assessment, reports continue describing widespread conflict, persecution, human rights abuses, and instability in Burma, especially under the ruling junta. The Guardian+2The Guardian+2
- For some, returning could mean facing conscription, persecution for political activism or religion, or general threats to safety. One source described how former TPS beneficiaries felt “in limbo,” unsure of their future, even if they had other visas. The Guardian+1
- Legal experts and human-rights advocates argue that the decision undermines the humanitarian intent of TPS — especially given ongoing crises in Myanmar. The Guardian+2Refugees International+2
What To Do Now — Practical Steps for Myanmar TPS Holders
If you or someone you know is impacted, act immediately. Here are suggestions and strategies:
| Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Consult an experienced immigration attorney | A lawyer can help assess eligibility for other immigration statuses (asylum, family-based visas, employment-based visas, adjustment of status, etc.). Legal advice is critical before TPS ends. |
| Explore alternative immigration options (asylum, green card through family/employer, humanitarian visas) | TPS alone does not lead to permanent residence; having another valid status is key to remaining lawfully in the U.S. I-9 Intelligence+2American Immigration Council+2 |
| Prepare documentation — passports, identity papers, proof of residence, work history, community ties | Having organized records will help apply for other statuses or prepare for possible proceedings if status lapses. |
| Stay informed — follow official DHS/USCIS updates, legal developments, court rulings | Immigration law and policy are changing rapidly; staying updated ensures you don’t miss possible extensions or relief. |
| Seek community support and advocacy networks | Community groups, immigrant-rights organizations, and advocacy networks can provide resources, information, and moral support. |
Understanding the Context — TPS Is Temporary by Design
- TPS was created in 1990 under U.S. law to offer temporary relief to nationals of countries facing serious crises — war, environmental disaster, or instability. American Immigration Council+1
- It was never designed as a permanent immigration solution; beneficiaries could remain only as long as conditions in their home country were deemed “extraordinary and temporary.” Congress.gov+1
- For Burma, TPS was first designated after the turn of major violence and humanitarian crisis following the 2021 coup and its aftermath. Refugees International+1
That said, many argue that “temporary” has stretched for years — with multiple extensions — and that the reality on the ground in Myanmar remains grave enough to justify continued protection. The Guardian+2The Guardian+2
Why This Matters for the Myanmar Diaspora & Advocates
The termination of TPS for Burma is not just bureaucratic — it directly affects thousands of lives across the U.S. For many, it means urgent decisions, legal uncertainty, and emotional stress.
This moment calls for:
- Informed action: exploring legal alternatives, seeking counsel, and staying prepared.
- Advocacy & community support: letting policymakers know that many Burmese nationals fear returning to unsafe conditions.
- Solidarity & awareness: ensuring affected individuals know they are not alone, and that there are resources and support networks ready to help.
If you or someone you know is impacted, please seek legal advice as soon as possible. The window for action is closing fast.