The Department of Homeland Security has extended temporary protected status (TPS) for Burma as well as relaxed employment options for Burmese pupils on F-1 student visas. The department has recognized that the humanitarian crisis in Burma is prohibiting its residents from safely returning to their birth country, so it has extended the Burmese national TPS in the United States. The dates of the extended status are from November 26th, 2022 through May 25th, 2024, which is an eighteen month period. Also, the initial registration period for new TPS applicants is from September 27th, 2022 through May 25th, 2024, during which period applicants may apply for TPS- related employment authorization and travel permission. It is important to clarify that even those in removal proceedings have the ability to apply for TPS, and if approved, they can request a hold on their removal case for the time being. This TPS extension will impact first-time TPS applicants as well as already existing beneficiaries.
In regard to the Burmese students in F-1 status, DHS is extending the suspension of several employment authorization rules for these individuals due to the humanitarian disaster currently taking place in Burma (Myanmar). Under this extension, Burmese individuals can reside in the United States until the harsh conditions in their country, including the violence and human rights abuse, begin to improve.
