WASHINGTON – The United States government yesterday said Myanmar citizens stranded by violence following their country’s military coup will be able to remain in the US under “temporary protected status” (TPS).
“Due to the military coup and security forces’ brutal violence against civilians, the people of Burma are suffering a complex and deteriorating humanitarian crisis in many parts of the country,” said Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, using Myanmar’s former name.
“After a thorough review of this dire situation, I have designated Burma for TPS so that Burmese nationals and habitual residents may remain temporarily in the US.”
The US has granted TPS protection to nationals of a number of countries struck by political upheavals or natural disasters that make their return difficult.
The protection is usually set for a limited period like 12 months, but can be extended if the hardships or threats remain.
The Homeland Security Department (DHS) said the February 1 takeover by Myanmar’s military has led to an economic crisis and shortages of humanitarian and medical aid.
In addition, it said the people protesting the coup face arbitrary detention, intimidation and lethal violence from the military.
“Such conditions prevent Burmese nationals and habitual residents from returning safely,” it said in a statement.
The initial TPS order will last 18 months.
DHS said about 1,600 people in the US now qualify for it.
Earlier this week, President Joe Biden’s administration offered TPS to tens of thousands of Venezuelans who fled political repression and economic chaos in the once wealthy South American country.
At the US State Department, spokesman Ned Price yesterday assailed the Myanmar junta for ongoing attacks on protesters.
“The military and police have shown complete disregard for the people of Burma, and have targeted young people, doctors, civil servants, journalists and political activists.
“We reiterate our calls to the military and police to stop the violence and arbitrary detention, to release all those unjustly detained, and again, to restore the democratically elected civilian government.” – AFP, March 13, 2021
