Today the Biden Administration announced it is designating Burma for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The following is a statement from Douglas Rivlin, Director of Communications for America’s Voice, in reaction to designation:
America’s Voice congratulates all of the hard-working advocates and organizations who fought for this moment and we commend the Biden Administration for taking the important step in designating Burma for TPS.
This designation will give much needed relief to Burmese immigrants who have fled human rights atrocities, genocide, political upheaval, and ongoing instability. It gives those already here access to work permits and allows them to continue safely building their lives here in the U.S. and protects them from being deported to a country currently in crisis. TPS is a tool that can and should be used in tandem with ongoing economic, diplomatic, and humanitarian aid efforts to stabilize countries where some feel they have no alternatives but to emigrate.
While we are relieved for the Burmese community, following closely on the heels of the announcement of TPS for Venezuela, we hope that the Biden Administration continues to urgently use TPS as a tool to give protections to immigrants in the U.S. from countries in upheaval, including immigrants from Haiti, Mauritania, Cameroon and the Northern Triangle of Central America.
With the Dream and Promise Act (HR 6) going to the floor next week, Congress should use this announcement as wind in their sails to stand up and protect DACA recipients, TPS holders and DED holders across the country who are depending on them to create a pathway to citizenship.
