CNI News
4 December, 2025
The United States, under President Donald Trump, appears to be trying to adjust its policy toward Myanmar, according to Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), who spoke to CNI News.
On November 24, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that it would terminate the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) previously granted to Myanmar nationals, citing Myanmar’s preparations for elections and visible administrative improvements.
Colonel Khun Okkar said,“It looks like they’re trying to change their policy. They haven’t actually changed it yet. Fundamentally, it hasn’t changed. But the US sees the way the State Security and Peace Commission is handling things now such as the election process, the political scope being expanded again. So, the US seems to show that they think adjustments may be necessary. Because of that, I believe they issued this statement to signal that they want to observe more before making a decision.”
U.S. announcement on TPS termination for Myanmar
The U.S. stated that the situation in Myanmar has improved to a level where Myanmar nationals could safely return home, which is why TPS was terminated.
It added that there have been significant improvements in administration and stability in Myanmar, that the State of Emergency had been lifted, and that preparations were underway for free and fair elections. Successful ceasefire agreements and better local governance were leading to improved public services and national reconciliation, according to the U.S. government.
As a result, the U.S. said conditions had now improved enough for Myanmar nationals to safely return.
Approximately 4,000 Myanmar nationals currently live in the United States under TPS. With no further extensions available, TPS holders will only be allowed to remain for up to 60 more days.
TPS is commonly used by people who do not wish to apply for asylum but need temporary permission to stay in the U.S., and it also provides eligibility for legal work authorization.
TPS was first granted to Myanmar people after the 2021 political crisis under former President Joe Biden’s administration.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing
Colonel Khun Okkar of PNLO-NCA/S said the U.S. government under President Donald Trump does not appear to be directly endorsing Myanmar’s military, but views Myanmar as “stabilizing,” and that changes may follow after the election.
He explained:“Even though they’re not openly endorsing the military, the upcoming election could bring a turning point. There is already a certain level of stability before the election. Afterward, a parliament and a government will emerge. If those institutions function properly, it may be seen as improved stability. So this early termination of TPS could be based on an expectation of political changes after the election — a belief that things will move in a more positive direction. It’s like allowing TPS holders to return home if they wish, based on that expectation.”
Myanmar will hold Part 1 of the election on December 28, 2025, in 102 townships, and Part 2 on January 11, 2026, in 100 townships. Part 3 is expected in the final week of January 2026.
The upcoming election is expected to bring political change to the country, and the government says it wants citizens to vote. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, said people should vote for those who will protect the Our Three Main National Causes and promote economic development.
He stated that after the election, power will be transferred to the winning party, and the military will only handle national defense responsibilities.
