Myanmar citizens stranded in US offered short-term refuge from coup crackdown
13 March, 2021
The US government said Friday (Mar 12) that Myanmar citizens stranded by the violence following country's military coup would be able to remain inside the United States under "temporary protected status."
"As a result of military coup and security forces' brutal violence against civilians, the persons of Burma (Myanmar) happen to be suffering a complex and deteriorating humanitarian crisis in lots of parts of the country," said Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
"After a thorough review of this dire scenario, I own designated Burma for non permanent protected status in order that Burmese nationals and habitual residents can remain temporarily in the United States."
AMERICA has granted TPS protection to nationals of a number of countries struck by political upheavals or organic disasters, building their return difficult.
The protection is normally set for a limited period, like 12 a few months, but could be extended if the hardships or threats remain.
DHS said the Feb 1 takeover by Myanmar's military has resulted in an economical crisis and shortages of humanitarian and medical help.
Furthermore, it said the persons protesting the coup face arbitrary detention, intimidation and lethal violence from the military.
"Such conditions prevent Burmese nationals and habitual residents from returning safely," the department explained in a statement.
The original TPS order can last 18 weeks. DHS did not say how many persons would be included in it.
Before this week the administration of President Joe Biden offered TPS for tens of thousands of Venezuelans who fled political repression and economical chaos in the once wealthy South American country.
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