Military Coup, President Joe Biden Guarantees The Status And Security Of 1,600 Myanmar Citizens In The US

United States President Joe Biden (Twitter / @ JoeBiden)

JAKARTA - President of the United States (US) Joe Biden, ensures his government guarantees status and security, including work permits for Myanmar citizens affected by the Myanmar military coup on February 1.

This was stated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Friday, March 12 local time. The decision means about 1,600 Burmese already in the United States, including diplomats who have cut ties with Myanmar's junta, will qualify for 18 months of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), two government officials told Reuters.

This program provides immigrants who are unable to return to their country safely, for reasons such as natural disasters or armed conflict, permission to legally live and work in the United States for a specified, extended period of time.

"Due to the military regime's coup and the security forces' brutal violence against civilians, the Burmese people are suffering from a complex and worsening humanitarian crisis in many parts of the country," said Homeland Security Minister Alejandro Mayorkas.

Only people who are already living in the United States and able to show sustainable residence as of March 11, 2021 are eligible for the Myanmar program.

Government officials said the situation in Myanmar after the military seized power prevented Myanmar citizens from returning, citing a crackdown by security forces, arbitrary detention and worsening humanitarian conditions.

UN human rights investigator Thomas Andrews said that until Thursday the violence of the Myanmart military regime had killed at least 70 people and detained more than 2,000.

Several Myanmar diplomats stationed in the United States have spoken publicly against the military, including United Nations Permanent Representative Kyaw Moe Tun.

Diplomats who bravely join the civil disobedience movement in solidarity with their citizens will be able to stay in the United States under the program, an official said.

"We want them to know they can do it safely," the official said.

US officials say unless the military reverses course, punitive action is more likely.

"If they do not restore democracy and stop violence against civilians, then we will continue to take action against military leaders and their financial networks," said an official.

President Joe Biden last month imposed Myanmar sanctions on those responsible for the overthrow of the Southeast Asian nation's civilian-led government, including the defense minister and three companies in the jade and gems sector.

Earlier this week, Washington imposed sanctions on two children of Myanmar military regime leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, along with six companies they control.

Myanmar Coup. The VOI editorial team continues to monitor the political situation in one of the ASEAN member countries. Casualties from civilians continue to fall. Readers can follow the news surrounding the Myanmar military coup by tapping on this link.