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Fact Sheet: Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burma

This fact sheet was originally published on 6.9.2021 and was updated on 3.25.2024. It is not legal advice.

On Friday, March 22, 2024, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced an extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burma for an additional 18 months, from May 26, 2024, through November 25, 2025. The corresponding Federal Register Notice (FRN) gives information about how to register as a new or current TPS holder.

What is temporary protected status (TPS)?

The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grants TPS to individuals from designated countries who are unable to return home safely due to conditions or circumstances in their home countries.

During the designated TPS period, TPS holders are allowed to live in the United States and cannot be detained by DHS just based on their immigration status. TPS holders are eligible to apply for an employment authorization document (EAD) and for travel authorization.

What does the extension of TPS for Burma (Myanmar) mean?

If you have TPS under the current designation for Burma, you can apply to extend TPS. To receive the TPS extension, you must re-register for TPS by applying during the 60-day re-registration period from March 25, 2024, through May 24, 2024. If approved, your TPS and EAD will be extended until November 25, 2025. The FRN provides more details.   

Note: It is important for TPS holders to re-register during the registration period. Do not wait until your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expires. This could result in gaps in your employment authorization documentation.

What does the re-designation of TPS for Burma (Myanmar) mean?

If you are a Burmese (Myanmar) national and have never had TPS, you can now apply for the first time if you have lived in the United States continuously since March 21, 2024. You can apply for TPS during the first-time registration period. You must also meet the eligibility requirements. If you left for any reason, talk to an immigration attorney.

The first-time registration period for new applicants under the Burma (Myanmar) TPS redesignation is from March 25, 2024, through November 25, 2025. Other eligibility requirements are described in the FRN.

How do I apply for TPS?

People interested in TPS must file an application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and pay the filing fee. They may also apply for an EAD and for travel authorization. All individuals applying for TPS undergo security and background checks as part of determining eligibility.

If you currently have Burmese TPS: The re-registration period for current TPS for Burma holders is from March 25, 2024, through May 24, 2024.

If you are applying for Burmese TPS the first time: The first-time registration period for new applicants is from March 25, 2024, through November 25, 2025.

Is TPS status given automatically?

No, TPS is not automatic. People must apply, pay a filing fee, and pass immigration screening. There are some facts that will make a person ineligible for TPS. For example, people with certain criminal convictions or who violated the human rights of others are not eligible for TPS. People who are inadmissible under certain sections of the law may have to file a waiver before they can be approved for TPS status. The application process can be complicated, and we recommend working with an immigration attorney.

How long will eligible individuals have protection under TPS for Burma?

TPS is a temporary status. The Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas extended and redesignated Burma (Myanmar) for TPS until November 25, 2025. TPS status can, however, be extended.

I have been in the United States since before March 21, 2024, but I have left for short periods of time. Can I apply for TPS?  

Maybe. Whether you still qualify for TPS depends on the length and nature of your time outside of the United States. Please contact an immigration attorney to discuss your situation further.

I am from Burma (Myanmar), and I came to the United States as a refugee. Do I need to apply for TPS? 

No. People who are in the US with refugee status can live and work here and apply for permanent resident status after one year. They do not require TPS.

I am from Burma (Myanmar), and I now have a green card. Do I need to apply for TPS? 

No. As a permanent resident, you have legal status in the US and are on a path to citizenship. You do not need and would not qualify for TPS.

I am from Burma (Myanmar), and I am in deportation proceedings. Can I apply for TPS to avoid deportation? 

Yes. A person in removal proceedings can apply for TPS, and if approved, can request that the judge put the removal case on hold until TPS is approved, and then for the time it is in effect.

*If you are from Burma (Myanmar) and came to the United States on a F1 student visa, contact your school’s international student office for more information.

 

Get Help

The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) provides free immigration legal services to low-income immigrants in a variety of immigration matters. For more information about how we can assist you, please visit our website at www.ilcm.org.

ILCM’s Statement on the Senate Emergency Supplemental Bill Immigration Provisions

February 5, 2024— Every day, the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) has the privilege of supporting newcomers, many of whom first entered the United States at the southern border. Each of their stories is unique, and their reasons for seeking to enter the United States are diverse. Over the past several years, however, ever-tightening border policies and procedures have restricted people’s ability to share their experiences before immigration officials make a life-or-death decision whether they can enter the United States. 

The Senate Emergency Supplemental Bill goes even further. The bill mandates a border shutdown when border encounters reach 5,000 per day; raises the bar for seeking asylum beyond those established by international law; and further limits access to court processes and review. The likely result? Not better control and safety along the border, but rather greater exploitation by cartels and smugglers of desperate people seeking safety. 

The Senate negotiators seek to make this proposal palatable by including several policies long called for by immigration advocates, such as: 

  • a pathway to lawful permanent residence and citizenship for certain Afghans;  
  • an infusion of 250,000 family- and employment-based green cards over the next five years;  
  • protections for children of high-skilled temporary workers who “age-out” of status while their parent is awaiting a green card; and  
  • work authorization for the dependents of certain temporary immigrants.  

Notably, however, the proposal does not include a pathway to citizenship for DREAMers or for TPS holders. 

We cannot acquiesce to a misguided border strategy in exchange for securing protections for certain classes of immigrants. We need and deserve an immigration system that works for all. The Senate Emergency Supplemental Bill does not bring us any closer to making that system a reality. 

PDF version of statement

Hoja Informativa de ILCM: Ley de Cannabis de Minnesota

Esta hoja informativa está actualizada al 12 de diciembre de 2023. No es consejo legal. 

PDF de esta hoja informativa

ILCM Fact Sheet – Minnesota Cannabis Law

Antecedentes de la Ley del Cannabis 

Este año, Minnesota aprobó una ley para legalizar el uso y la posesión de marihuana para adultos mayores de 21 años.  A partir del 1 de agosto, esta ley está vigente.  

La ley también requiere que ciertas condenas y arrestos relacionados con la marihuana de bajo nivel sean sellados (“expunged or sealed” in ingles).   

Esto significa que el tribunal sellará esos registros y no serán accesibles al público. Sin embargo, algunas agencias gubernamentales, como inmigración, aún podrán acceder a esos registros.   

Ley Federal 

Aunque Minnesota ha legalizado la marihuana para adultos mayores de 21 años, la marihuana sigue siendo ilegal según la ley federal. Esto incluye cualquier tipo de marihuana (por ejemplo, la planta, los comestibles con marihuana y las bebidas con THC).   

  • La ley de inmigración es una ley federal.    
  • Eso significa que las personas que no son ciudadanos estadounidenses deben evitar la marihuana, incluso si es legal según la ley estatal, porque puede tener un impacto diferente en ellos, incluidas graves consecuencias migratorias.   
  • No deben usar, poseer, cultivar, vender o tener nada que ver con la marihuana.   
  • De lo contrario, podría hacer que pierdan el estatus migratorio o que no puedan obtener el estatus migratorio, lo que llevaría a la deportación.  
  • Incluso si a alguien se le ha aprobado una visa o una tarjeta verde, los problemas por el consumo de marihuana podrían surgir al presentar otras solicitudes en el futuro. Por esta razón, no es seguro consumir marihuana hasta que sea ciudadano estadounidense, incluso si ya tiene otro estatus legal en los EE. UU.   
  • A las personas que tienen una condena por marihuana o admiten haber consumido marihuana también se les podría negar la entrada a los Estados Unidos si salen del país y luego intentan regresar.   

Hay algunas cosas importantes que debe saber sobre la marihuana si no es ciudadano estadounidense:   

  • Lo mas importante – No consuma marihuana hasta que sea ciudadano estadounidense.   
  • No trabaje en la industria de la marihuana ni visites dispensarios de marihuana.  
  • Muchas solicitudes de inmigración requieren que revele sus trabajos pasados.   
  • Si tiene una necesidad médica y no hay un buen sustituto para la marihuana medicinal, hable primero con un abogado de inmigración.   
  • No hay una excepción federal para uso médico. 
  • Nunca salga de casa con marihuana, una tarjeta de marihuana medicinal, parafernalia (como una pipa) o accesorios como camisetas o pegatines de marihuana.  
  • Por ejemplo, podría ser detenido por algo menor como una parada de tráfico y la policía podría encontrar marihuana y usted podría estar en problemas.   
  • Otro ejemplo es si está conduciendo cerca de la frontera, es posible que deba someterse a una inspección visual de su vehículo.   
  • No tenga fotos o mensajes de texto sobre usted y la marihuana en su teléfono, Facebook o en cualquier otro lugar.   
  • Snapchat y otras aplicaciones que eliminan mensajes e imágenes no garantizan que tus mensajes y fotos desaparezcan u oculten.   
  • Nunca discuta el uso o posesión de marihuana con ningún oficial de inmigración o fronterizo, a menos que tenga asesoramiento legal experto de que esto está bien.  
  • Si un oficial le pregunta sobre la marihuana, dígale que no quiere hablar con él y que quiere hablar con un abogado. Usted tiene derecho a permanecer en silencio.   

Si usted es ciudadano estadounidense, tenga cuidado de no usar o poseer marihuana cerca de amigos o familiares que no sean ciudadanos estadounidenses. Sus acciones podrían ponerlos en riesgo.   

  • Lo mejor es tener cuidado con cualquier acción que pueda asociar a su amigo o familiar con la marihuana.  
  • Por ejemplo, un familiar de una persona que no es ciudadano no debe pagar por la marihuana con una cuenta bancaria conjunta.   

Juventud 

Para las personas menores de 21 años, es ilegal bajo las leyes estatales y federales usar o poseer marihuana.   

  • Si las personas menores de 21 años tienen or usan marihuana en Minnesota, pueden recibir una citación de la policía además de enfrentar consecuencias de inmigración.   
  • Por esta razón, es especialmente importante que los jóvenes que no son ciudadanos eviten la marihuana.   

Delta-8 y productos de cáñamo 

Muchas tiendas ahora venden varios compuestos que se derivan de la planta de cannabis, como Delta-8 y otros productos de cáñamo, a personas mayores de 21 años. Para estar seguro, es mejor evitar también estos productos. Puede ser confuso saber exactamente lo que está comprando, y es posible que no conozca el contenido a menos que pruebe el producto.   

  • La ley federal tiene reglas muy específicas sobre qué productos de cáñamo son legales.   
  • También hay cambios en las leyes y regulaciones federales sobre estos compuestos.  
  • Además, existen leyes estatales sobre los productos de cáñamo. Si viola la ley estatal, podría ser acusado de un delito.   

Delitos penales 

Incluso con la nueva ley, existen sanciones penales estatales relacionadas con la marihuana y los productos de cáñamo, que incluyen cosas como:   

  • Posesión de cantidades prohibidas de marihuana y productos de cáñamo  
  • Venta ilegal de productos de marihuana y cáñamo  
  • Vender o regalar productos de marihuana y cáñamo a cualquier persona menor de 21 años  
  • Cultivo de cantidades prohibidas de plantas de marihuana   
  • Conducir bajo la influencia de productos de marihuana y cáñamo o usar estos productos mientras se conduce un vehículo motorizado  
  • Las ciudades también pueden adoptar ordenanzas para prohibir el uso de productos de marihuana y cáñamo en un lugar público  

Hacer estas cosas es ilegal y podría causar problemas muy serios tanto con inmigración como con la policía.    

Condenas y eliminaciones de antecedentes penales por marihuana 

Si fue condenado o arrestado anteriormente por un delito relacionado con la marihuana en Minnesota, sus registros pueden ser sellados automáticamente bajo la nueva ley.   

  • Los tribunales y la Oficina de Aprehensión Criminal están en proceso de sellar ciertos registros.  
  • Debe solicitar copias de sus registros lo antes posible antes de que sean sellados, ya que es posible que los necesite para futuras solicitudes de inmigración.   
  • Si es posible, obtenga copias certificadas de sus registros de la corte.   

Inmigración seguirá teniendo acceso a los registros sobre estos arrestos y condenas. Las condenas sellados todavía se consideran condenas para fines de inmigración.   

Algunas solicitudes de inmigración le piden que revele todos los arrestos y condenas, incluso si han sido sellados.  

No debe presentar una solicitud de inmigración ni viajar fuera de los Estados Unidos si ha realizado cualquier actividad relacionada con la marihuana sin hablar primero con un abogado de inmigración.    

Conclusión 

Existen severas consequences de inmigración para actividades relacionadas con la marihuana, incluso si la marihuana es legal según la ley estatal. Esto incluye el uso o posesión de cualquier tipo de marihuana (planta, comestibles y bebidas).   

Si no es ciudadano estadounidense, no consuma, posea, cultive ni venda marihuana. Hacerlo podría impedirle obtener un estatus legal o la ciudadanía estadounidense, resultar en la pérdida de su estatus migratorio o ponerlo en riesgo de deportación.  También es más seguro evitar los productos de cáñamo.  

Si ha realizado alguna actividad relacionada con la marihuana, debe consultar con un abogado de inmigración sobre su caso antes de presentar una solicitud de inmigración o viajar fuera del país.  

Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) 

Para recibir asistencia legal de inmigración, llame a nuestra línea de admisión de clientes durante las horas de admisión para programar una cita y hablar con un miembro del personal legal. No podemos dar citas sin cita previa o sin cita previa. 

Línea de admisión: 1-800-223-1368 

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ILCM Fact Sheet: Minnesota Cannabis Law

This fact sheet is current as of December 12, 2023. It is not legal advice.  

Printable PDF version of this fact sheet

ILCM Hoja Informativa – La Ley del Cannabis

Background  

This year, Minnesota passed a law to legalize the use and possession of marijuana for adults 21 and older.  As of August 1, this law is in effect.  

The law also requires the automatic expungement of certain low-level marijuana related convictions and arrests.   

This means that the court will seal those records and they will not be accessible to the public. Some government agencies like immigration will still be able to access those records though.   

Federal Law 

While Minnesota has legalized marijuana for adults 21 and older, marijuana is still illegal under federal law. This includes any type of marijuana (for example, the plant, edibles with marijuana, and THC drinks).   

  • Immigration law is federal law.    
  • That means that people who are not U.S. citizens should stay away from marijuana even if it is legal under state law because it can have a different impact on them including serious immigration consequences.   
  • They should not use, possess, grow, sell or have anything to do with marijuana.   
  • Otherwise, it could cause them to lose immigration status or not be able to get immigration status, leading to deportation.  
  • Even if someone has been approved for a visa or green card, problems from marijuana use could come up when filing other applications in the future. For this reason, it is not safe to use marijuana until you are a U.S. citizen even if you already have another legal status in the U.S.   
  • People who have a marijuana conviction or admit to using marijuana could also be denied entry into the United States if they leave the country and then try to come back.   

There are a few important things to know about marijuana if you are not a U.S. citizen:   

  • Do not use marijuana until you are a U.S. citizen.   
  • Don’t work in the marijuana industry or visit marijuana dispensaries.  
  • Many immigration applications require you to disclose your employment history.   
  • If you have a medical need and there is no good substitute for medical marijuana, talk to an immigration lawyer first.   
  • There is no federal exception for medical use.  
  • Never leave the house carrying marijuana, a medical marijuana card, paraphernalia (like a pipe), or accessories like marijuana T-shirts or stickers.  
  • For example, you could be stopped for something minor like a traffic stop and police could find marijuana and you could be in trouble.   
  • Another example is if you are driving near the border, you may have to submit to visual inspection of your vehicle.   
  • Don’t have photos or texts about you and marijuana on your phone, Facebook, or anywhere else.   
  • Snapchat and other apps that delete messages and images do not guarantee that your messages and photos are gone or hidden.   
  • Never discuss marijuana use or possession with any immigration or border official, unless you have expert legal advice that this is OK.  
  • If an official asks you about marijuana, say that you don’t want to talk to them and you want to speak to a lawyer. You have the right to remain silent.   

If you are a U.S. citizen, be mindful of using or possessing marijuana around friends or family members who are not U.S. citizens. Your actions could put them at risk.   

  • It is best to be careful of any actions that might associate your friend or family member with marijuana.  
  • For example, a U.S. citizen spouse or family member should not pay for marijuana with a joint bank account.   

Youth 

For people under 21, it is illegal under both state and federal law to use or possess marijuana.   

  • If people under 21 are caught with marijuana in Minnesota, they may receive a citation from police in addition to facing immigration consequences.   
  • For this reason, it is particularly important for youth who are not citizens to avoid marijuana.   

Delta-8 and Hemp Products  

Many stores now sell various compounds that are derived from the cannabis plant such as Delta-8 and other hemp products to people over 21. To be safe, it is best to also avoid these products. It can be confusing to know exactly what you are buying, and you may not know the contents unless you test the product.   

  • Federal law has very specific rules about what hemp products are legal.   
  • There is also changing federal law and regulations about these compounds.  
  • Additionally, there are state laws about hemp products. If you violate state law, you could be charged with a crime.   

Criminal Offenses 

Even with the new law, there are state criminal penalties related to marijuana and hemp products including things like:   

  • Possessing prohibited quantities of marijuana and hemp products  
  • Unlawfully selling marijuana and hemp products  
  • Selling or giving away marijuana and hemp products to anyone under 21  
  • Cultivating prohibited quantities of marijuana plants   
  • Driving under the influence of marijuana and hemp products or using these products while operating a motor vehicle  
  • Cities may also adopt ordinances to prohibit use of marijuana and hemp products in a public place  

Doing these things is illegal and could cause very serious problems with both immigration and the police.   

Marijuana Convictions and Expungements 

If you were previously convicted or arrested for a marijuana related offense in Minnesota, your records may be automatically expunged under the new law.   

  • The courts and Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are in the process of expunging certain records.  
  • You should request copies of your records as soon as possible before they are expunged as you may need them for future immigration applications.   
  • If possible, obtain certified copies of your records from the court.   

Immigration will still have access to records about these arrests and convictions. Expunged convictions are still considered convictions for immigration purposes.   

Some immigration applications ask you to disclose all arrests and convictions even if they have been expunged.  

You should not file an immigration application or travel outside of the United States if you have had any involvement with marijuana without first speaking with an immigration attorney.    

Conclusion 

There are harsh immigration penalties for marijuana-related activity, even if it is legal under state law. This includes using or possessing any type of marijuana (plant, edibles, and drinks).   

If you are not a U.S. citizen, do not use, possess, grow, or sell marijuana. Doing so could stop you from getting legal status or U.S. citizenship, result in the loss of your immigration status, or put you at risk of deportation.  It is also safest to avoid hemp products.  

If you have had any involvement with marijuana, you should consult with an immigration lawyer about your case before filing an immigration application or traveling outside of the country.   

Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) 

To receive immigration legal assistance, please call our client intake line our intake hours to schedule an appointment to speak to a legal staff member. We cannot give walk-in or drop-in appointments. 

Intake line: 1-800-223-1368 

  • Monday: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
  • Tuesday: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. 
  • Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
  • Thursday: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. 

Asylum Under Attack: Call Congress Now!

Right now, U.S. asylum and humanitarian parole programs are at grave risk of being traded away in negotiations over supplemental funding. Proposals that seek to restrict asylum and humanitarian parole will create more border chaos, not less. And blocking vulnerable immigrants from seeking access to safety endangers their lives and the lives of their families.

Call your Senators. Call your Congressional Representative. Tell them not to compromise away U.S. legal protection for vulnerable immigrants. Tell them to vote against any compromise that limits asylum or humanitarian parole.

Asylum

U.S. asylum laws offer protection to people who were persecuted or fear persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Asylum seekers arriving at the border or who are physically present in the United States, regardless of how they got here, may apply for asylum.

Both U.S. and international law forbid refoulment, which means returning a person to the country where they are likely to face persecution. Proposed limits on asylum order return of asylum seekers to those countries.

Humanitarian Parole

Anti-immigrant proposals also target humanitarian parole. Humanitarian parole allowed some Afghans fleeing the Taliban and Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion of their country to enter the United States.

Humanitarian parole also allows temporary entry of some people who have family or other financial sponsors in the United States. People from a limited number of countries, including Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, may apply for sponsored humanitarian parole. Humanitarian parole may also be granted to individuals for urgent humanitarian reasons, such as a medical emergency or urgent family situation.

This Is Not Border Security

Attacks on asylum and humanitarian parole masquerade as “border security” measures. In fact, they add nothing to border security and, instead, will increase border chaos.

The lives of vulnerable and persecuted people must not be reduced to bargaining chips in partisan deal-making.

Call your Senators. Call your Congressional Representative. Tell them not to compromise away U.S. legal protection for vulnerable immigrants. Tell them to vote against any compromise that limits asylum or humanitarian parole.