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Urge President Biden to Extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burmese Refugees [1]
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Date: 2025-01-13
The United States has long been a beacon of hope for those fleeing persecution and violence. In this spirit, it is imperative that President Joe Biden take decisive action to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burmese refugees beyond November 25, 2025.
It is great that Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas to extended the Burma (Myanmar) for TPS for 18 months. This measure ensures safety and stability for those who have sought refuge in the United States. This extension, through November 25, 2025, was a necessary step in response to the dire circumstances facing Burmese refugees. However, the situation in Burma demands further action.
Why TPS Must Be Extended
The ongoing crisis in Burma has made it impossible for those with TPS to return without fear of severe persecution. Since the military coup in February 2021, the junta has unleashed widespread violence, silencing dissent through arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings. Burmese refugees in the U.S., many of whom are democratic leaders, parliamentarians, religious figures, and participants in the Civil Disobedience Movement, would face grave danger if forced to return.
For these individuals, TPS is not just a policy; it is a lifeline. Without an extension, they risk being thrust back into the very conditions they fled, with little hope of safety or justice.
A Call to Action
We urge President Biden to:
Extend TPS for Burma for an additional 18 months beyond November 25, 2025. Reaffirm the U.S. commitment to protecting vulnerable populations by ensuring Burmese refugees have the support and stability needed to rebuild their lives. Work proactively with Congress and international allies to address the root causes of Burma’s crisis, including sustained pressure on the junta and support for democratic movements.
The Urgency of the Moment
The fear among the Burmese community is palpable, especially with the possibility of a new administration in 2025 that may adopt harsher measures against refugees and immigrants, potentially dismantling TPS entirely. For those who have found temporary solace in the U.S., the thought of losing this protection is devastating.
The Biden administration has an opportunity to reaffirm America’s leadership in human rights and refugee protection. Extending TPS for Burma is not just a moral imperative; it’s a reflection of the values that define the United States.
How You Can Help
Contact the White House: Urge President Biden to extend TPS for Burma. Call, email, or write to express your support for this critical action. You can sign a petition to the White House here.
Advocate for Refugee Rights: Share this message with your network and raise awareness about the plight of Burmese refugees.
Support Burmese Advocacy Groups: Partner with organizations working to protect and uplift Burmese communities both in the U.S. and abroad.
Now is the time to stand with those who have risked everything for freedom and democracy. Let us ensure that the United States continues to be a sanctuary for those in need.
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