Dear President Joe Biden:

We are encouraged by the swift actions your administration has taken in response to the military coup against the democratically elected civilian government of Burma (Myanmar). As the situation quickly escalates on the ground, we would like to request additional support for the people of Burma as they tirelessly fight for democracy and human rights.
The coup on February 1, 2021 represents the resurfacing of Burma’s ‘military coup culture’, which has been embedded and practiced since 1962 by General Ne Win. Decades of successive coups and military rule have severely hampered Burma’s development and isolated its people from the international community. The unlawful seizing of power is a death knell for a nascent democratic process for oppressed Burma people and many ethnic minority groups who have been living under the iron boots of the military dictatorship. The military has violently responded to the people's opposition by arresting CDM participants and protesters and enacting a series of laws to restrict and suspend the fundamental rights of the citizens by shutting down telecommunications, curtailing peaceful gathering and suppressing freedom of expression. The events of February 28, 2021, the bloodiest crackdown to date, illustrated the military’s blatant disregard for civilians’ lives and rights as security forces were armed with lethal weapons and indiscriminately fired at civilians.
Contrary to statements by leaders of other nations, the military coup is not just an internal affair. It poses a great threat to the geopolitics and economic affairs of the Indo-Pacific region as Burma holds a unique position at the crossroad of China, India, and Southeast Asia region. Given the vast investments the United States has allocated in this region, the coup will have resounding implications on the national security and interests of the United States. Furthermore, the history of Burma and the will of its people has alway been an establishment and sustainment of a democratic government. Past struggles toward democracy in Burma have been met with ruthless and relentless suppression by the military. The lack of adequate and consistent support by the international community allowed the military junta to halt democratization for over twenty-six years. The current fight against the coup represents a critical opportunity for the United States and its international allies to intervene and establish a clear stance in a collective commitment to engender and uphold democracy in global contexts. Thus, to restore and sustain democracy in Burma, decisive and determined support from the international community, led by the United States, is essentially needed at this time.

In addition to the action you have already taken, we, as members and friends of the multi-ethnic Burmese American community and as your constituents, lend our collective support to the proposed Senate Resolution number 35 introduced by Senator Cardin and Senator Young, as well as House Resolution number 134 introduced by Representative Levin condemning the military coup in Burma and the unlawful detention of civilian leaders. As the situation continues to worsen, we request you to further your support to the people of Burma through the following immediate actions:

Recognize the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) as elected representatives of the people in Burma in the General Election held on November 8, 2020.
Recommend the CRPH, a coalition of the National League of Democracy (NLD) and ethnic minority forces as the only pathway to root out the military junta from national politics.
Implore the CRPH to take a principled stand by declaring the abolishment of the 2008 Constitution and commit to federalism based on the Panglong spirit.
Impose coordinated and targeted sanctions on the military leadership and their associates, including its business conglomerates Myanmar Economic Holding Limited (MEHL) and Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC) and their subsidiaries and crony companies as listed in the Independent International Fact Finding Mission on Myanmar by the Human Rights Council.
Persuade US allies and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to pressure the military junta to return power to the democratically elected civilian government and take all steps necessary to end the military coup and help restore the democratic processes in Burma.
Bring forward the current United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution and mandate an emergency convening to consider invoking Chapter VII authority under the UN Charter as well as a global arms embargo and expedite referral to the International Criminal Court to investigate and prosecute crimes against humanity.
Pressure China and Russia to effectively cooperate in the UNSC and cease their support for the military coup and violent crackdowns on peaceful protesters.

As can be seen, the Burmese diaspora in the United States is a by-product of past military regimes and atrocities committed by the military dictatorship. While we are able to enjoy the freedom of our adopted country, our families, friends, and people in Burma are being denied their fundamental freedom and basic human rights. The multi-ethnic Burmese-American community across the country stands with the people of Burma in their struggle for genuine democracy and human rights. We believe that the United States government, a champion of democracy, will continue to support and take effective action to support the fight for democracy in Burma.