US to end temporary protected status for Myanmar nationals in 2026

The Trump administration has moved to revoke Temporary Protected Status for nearly 4,000 Myanmar nationals residing in the United States, setting a termination date of January 26, 2026. US Citizenship and Immigration Services confirmed the policy change, which will require affected individuals to either depart the United States or secure alternative immigration status by the specified deadline.

Policy Rationale and Official Statement

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the decision by asserting that conditions in Myanmar have sufficiently improved to allow for the safe return of its citizens. "The situation in Burma has improved enough that it is safe for Burmese citizens to return home, so we are terminating the Temporary Protected Status," Noem stated, using the country's former name. She emphasized that the action "restores TPS to its original status as temporary," reinforcing the program's intended transient nature.

Assessment of Myanmar's Progress

The administration cited multiple indicators of progress in Myanmar, including the conclusion of the nation's state of emergency, preparations for free and fair elections, successful implementation of ceasefire agreements, and enhancements in local governance structures. According to Noem, these developments have contributed to "improved public service delivery and national reconciliation," creating conditions that no longer warrant temporary protection for Myanmar nationals in the United States.

Program Background and Implementation

Temporary Protected Status provides temporary lawful presence and work authorization to nationals of designated countries experiencing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary conditions that prevent safe return. The termination announcement follows a pattern of TPS reviews by the current administration, which has previously ended protections for several other national groups. Affected individuals will have approximately fifteen months to prepare for the status expiration or pursue alternative immigration pathways.