On May 24, 2021, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a Federal Register notice (FRN) that designates Myanmar/Burma for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months, effective as of May 25 until November 25, 2022. Previously, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced Burma’s designation for TPS on March 12.
In order to qualify for TPS, a Burmese national or any individual with no nationality who last habitually resided in Burma must have been continuously living in the United States since March 11, 2021, and continuously present in the country since May 25, 2021, as well as meet additional requirements listed in the FRN. According to the DHS, an estimated 1,600 people are eligible for TPS designation.
During the initial 180-day registration period that begins on May 25, 2021, until November 22, 2021, Burmese nationals who are eligible for TPS must submit Form I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status). In addition, applicants may also apply for work and travel authorization.
Burma earned TPS designation after the country’s military forces executed a coup, overthrowing the democratically elected government. Demonstrations and protests have been met with detention, violence, and even deadly force. The coup has also caused a humanitarian crisis, which includes disrupted communications and restricted medical care.
On March 3, Christine Schraner Burgener—the United Nations Special Envoy for Burma—urged the U.N. and world leaders to use all resources to address the situation because it could eventually lead to war.
To learn more about the legal procedures of obtaining TPS designation, read the FRN. If you are a Burmese national in Phoenix, AZ, and interested in getting TPS designation, contact Kanu & Associates, P.C. today at (602) 353-7795 for a case evaluation.