WASHINGTON, Nov 24 (Reuters): The Trump administration said on Monday it is ending temporary legal status for citizens of Myanmar in the United States, arguing they can safely return to the war-torn Southeast Asian country and citing the military junta's planned elections as evidence of an improving situation.

The move sparked concern for individuals who may be forced to return to Myanmar, which has been in political turmoil since the military seized power in a 2021 coup, ousting a civilian government and sparking a nationwide armed resistance.

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem had conferred with U.S. government agencies and concluded that the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Myanmar was no longer needed, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a statement that justified the move.

“This decision restores TPS to its original status as temporary,” Noem said in the statement, using another name for Myanmar.

“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. Burma has made notable progress in governance and stability, including the end of its state of emergency, plans for free and fair elections, successful ceasefire agreements, and improved local governance contributing to enhanced public service delivery and national reconciliation.”

In a formal notification, opens new tab of the move, DHS also credited Myanmar's military government for engaging in ceasefire negotiations with ethnic armed groups. It noted that China is playing a mediating role and compared the talks favorably to past peace efforts.

Photo from Reuters