White House ends key immigration pathway for Burmese people. This is a mistake.
Today, the Trump Administration formally terminated Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for citizens of Myanmar in the United States. Its justification? The Administration alleges that “conditions no longer hinder the safe return of aliens who are nationals of Burma to the country.” It cites planned “free and fair elections,” increased stability, and improved governance in its justification.
“These assertions are as dangerous as they are false,” said Kimberly Hart, director for policy and programs at the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace, and Security (GIWPS).
“Thousands of Burmese people have sought refuge in the United States from a regime that overthrew a democratically elected government, sparked a civil war and humanitarian crisis, and continues to kill rights defenders and commit mass atrocities against civilians. Burmese women and girls continue to face targeted threats, including gender-based violence, forced conscription, lack of access to healthcare and basic services, and more.” She added, “The claim that the upcoming sham elections are ‘free and fair’ is outrageous given the realities in the country.”
Myanmar was granted temporary protective status in 2021, a reflection of the conflict, atrocities, humanitarian crisis, and authoritarian government that the country experienced following the coup d’etat that year, which overthrew a democratically elected government. That status has been extended until today.
Yet the situation in the country remains dire. A recent State Department statement cited violence and displacement in Burma and commended governments for accepting displaced persons and refugees. In another recent statement, the State Department cited atrocities, sexual violence, and other human rights violations against people in Burma. The State Department’s own travel advisory for Burma warns “Do Not Travel” to the country due to civil unrest, armed conflict, and arbitrary enforcement of local laws. The Women’s League of Burma (WLB) has reported that “since the 2021 military coup, more than three million people have been displaced, nearly 1,900 women killed, and over 6,000 arrested. Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV)—especially by the military junta—remains widespread, while survivors are denied justice and accountability.” GIWPS’s Women, Peace, and Security Index ranks Burma as 172nd in the world.
TPS offers an important immigration pathway for people whose home countries are unsafe due to conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. By ending TPS for Myanmar, the U.S. risks sending people back to a country where they can be targeted or killed. The U.S. has also taken similar steps in other similarly dangerous contexts, including Afghanistan and Venezuela, in recent months.
Hart notes, “It is not too late for the Trump Administration to extend TPS for Myanmar to ensure continued protection for individuals who cannot safely return home. Congress can also take action to protect people from Myanmar.” Women’s Organizations Network of Myanmar (WON) notes, “The U.S. should uphold its commitments to the rights of Myanmar’s people and their democratic aspirations and ensure that no one is returned to harm.”
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