US offers temporary refuge to Myanmar citizens amid coup crackdown

The US government said on Friday that Myanmar citizens stranded by the violence following the country’s military coup would be able to remain inside the United States under “temporary protected status”.

“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 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, using Myanmar’s former name.

“After a thorough review of this dire situation, I have designated Burma for temporary protected status so that Burmese nationals and habitual residents may remain temporarily in the United States.”

The United States 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.

DHS said the February 1 takeover by Myanmar’s military has led to an economic crisis and shortages of humanitarian and medical aid.

(SCMP)