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On August 7, 2026, USCIS officially terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of Burma (Myanmar) and South Sudan. That termination wasn’t gradual — it was immediate. Over 4,000 people across the country had their TPS-based Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) invalidated overnight. If you or someone in your family held TPS under either of these designations, your right to live and work in the United States may now be at serious risk. And if you’re an employer with affected workers on staff, you’re also exposed to I-9 compliance violations if you don’t act fast. This is not a situation where you can wait and see. Reach out to our immigration team — we’ll help you figure out what options are still on the table.
Background: USCIS Termination of TPS for Burma and South Sudan
TPS is a humanitarian protection that lets people from countries dealing with armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary crises live and work legally in the U.S. on a temporary basis. Burma received its TPS designation in 2021 after a military coup unleashed widespread violence and a deepening humanitarian crisis. South Sudan has been designated due to its long-running civil conflict and instability. These aren’t abstract policy categories — these are real conditions that forced real people to leave their homes.
As of August 7, 2026, both designations are gone. Every TPS-based benefit — lawful status, travel authorization, work authorization — tied to the Burma and South Sudan programs is no longer valid. And here’s what catches a lot of people off guard: it doesn’t matter what expiration date is printed on your EAD card. If it was issued under either of these TPS programs, it’s invalid as of August 7. Full stop. There was no phased wind-down. The legal consequences kicked in immediately.
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This action affects an estimated 4,000 or more individuals and comes amid broader federal immigration enforcement priorities in 2026. The termination does not automatically trigger deportation, but it does mean that affected individuals currently have no TPS-based authorization to remain in or work in the United States unless they qualify for another immigration status or relief.
How This Affects TPS Holders from Burma and South Sudan
For Individuals and Families
If you held TPS under the Burma or South Sudan designation, your status effectively ended on August 7, 2026. This means:
- Your EAD is no longer valid — even if the card shows a later expiration date, the August 7 termination overrides it.
- Your lawful presence has ended — unless you have a separate, independent immigration status (such as a pending green card application, approved visa petition, or other relief), you may now be considered unlawfully present.
- Travel outside the U.S. is strongly discouraged — TPS-based advance parole documents are also invalidated, and departing the country could bar reentry.
- You may be placed into removal proceedings — while USCIS does not automatically initiate deportation upon TPS termination, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforcement activity can affect those without lawful status.
For Employers
Employers who have TPS holders from Burma or South Sudan on their workforce face urgent I-9 compliance obligations. Under federal law, employers must reverify the work authorization of any employee whose EAD was tied to a TPS designation that has now been terminated. Failure to do so can result in significant civil penalties. At the same time, employers must be careful not to engage in discriminatory reverification practices. If you are an employer navigating this situation, consulting with an immigration attorney is strongly advised.
What You Should Do Right Now
The termination is already in effect. Every day without a plan increases your legal risk. Here are the most important steps to take immediately:
- Consult an immigration attorney today. This is the single most important step. An experienced immigration lawyer can assess your individual situation, identify any alternative pathways to lawful status, and help you avoid common mistakes that could permanently harm your case.
- Determine if you have an independent basis for status. Some TPS holders may qualify for a green card through a family member, employer, or other petition. Others may have VAWA protections, U visa eligibility, asylum claims, or other forms of relief. Do not assume you have no options without a proper legal evaluation.
- Do not leave the United States. Departing the country after your TPS has been terminated can trigger bars to reentry and complicate any future applications for relief.
- Gather and organize your documents. Collect all immigration records, including your TPS approval notices, EADs, I-94 records, passport, and any pending petition receipts. Your attorney will need these to evaluate your case.
- Employers: Conduct an immediate I-9 audit. Identify all employees whose work authorization was based on Burma or South Sudan TPS. Reverify their work authorization using Section 3 of the I-9 form or initiate a new I-9 as applicable. Document every step you take.
- Stay informed. Legal challenges to TPS terminations have previously resulted in court injunctions. Monitor developments closely and stay in contact with your attorney to understand how any litigation may affect your case.
Why Choose Tez Law P.C. for Your Immigration Case
At Tez Law P.C., Managing Attorney JJ Zhang (California Bar #326666) leads a dedicated immigration law practice that serves clients across the entire United States. We understand that immigration emergencies like TPS terminations create enormous fear and uncertainty for families and workers. Our firm is committed to providing clear, honest legal guidance and aggressive advocacy for every client we represent.
We handle a full range of immigration matters including TPS-related issues, adjustment of status, family-based petitions, employment-based immigration, asylum, DACA, removal defense, and more. We take pride in cutting through the complexity of immigration law to give you real answers and a real path forward. Whether you are an individual facing loss of status or an employer navigating I-9 compliance, Tez Law P.C. has the experience and dedication to help you protect what matters most.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us evaluate your options before the situation becomes more difficult to resolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
My TPS-based EAD shows an expiration date after August 7, 2026. Is it still valid?
No. The August 7, 2026 termination date overrides any printed expiration date on your EAD. USCIS has confirmed that TPS-based Employment Authorization Documents tied to the Burma and South Sudan designations are invalid as of August 7, 2026, regardless of the date shown on the card. Presenting or accepting an invalidated EAD for I-9 purposes can create serious legal problems for both workers and employers. You should consult an immigration attorney immediately to assess your situation and explore whether you qualify for alternative work authorization.
Will USCIS automatically deport me now that my TPS has been terminated?
TPS termination does not automatically result in deportation or removal proceedings. However, it does mean that without another valid immigration status, you may be considered unlawfully present in the United States, which creates significant legal vulnerability. ICE enforcement priorities and individual circumstances vary widely. The best protection is to act immediately — consult with an immigration attorney to determine whether you have an independent basis for lawful status or eligibility for other forms of relief such as asylum, a pending family petition, or prosecutorial discretion. Do not wait and hope the situation resolves itself.
Are there any legal challenges to the TPS terminations for Burma and South Sudan?
As of August 2026, we are actively monitoring litigation related to these TPS terminations. In the past, federal courts have issued injunctions that temporarily blocked TPS terminations and restored status for affected individuals while cases were litigated. It is possible that advocacy organizations or affected individuals may file legal challenges to these terminations as well. However, you should not rely on potential future litigation as your primary strategy. Work with an immigration attorney now to pursue every available legal option while staying informed about any court developments that could affect your case.
The termination of TPS for Burma and South Sudan is a life-altering development for thousands of families and workers in the United States. At Tez Law P.C., we are ready to stand by your side, evaluate your legal options, and fight for the best possible outcome for you and your loved ones. Whether you need help exploring adjustment of status, removal defense, or employer I-9 compliance, our team is available nationwide. Do not face this alone — reach out to our immigration services team or schedule your free consultation with Tez Law P.C. today. Your future cannot wait.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact Tez Law P.C. at 626-678-8677 or [email protected] for advice specific to your situation. Results may vary.