TL;DR: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has ended Temporary Protected Status for South Sudanese nationals, impacting hundreds of refugees who have lived in the U.S. for over a decade.
The U.S. government’s decision, announced by Secretary Kristi Noem, removes deportation protections for South Sudanese citizens who had been granted TPS after their country’s independence in 2011. The program had allowed around 230 people to live and work legally in the U.S. amid ongoing conflict and instability in South Sudan. Despite previous extensions due to unsafe conditions, Noem determined that the situation had improved, signaling an end to the protection status.
The termination, effective January 2026, includes a 60-day grace period for voluntary departure. Those affected will be required to leave by early January or face potential removal. Critics of the decision argue it reflects the administration’s broader stance on limiting immigration programs, with a DHS spokesperson asserting that TPS had been “abused” under previous administrations. Meanwhile, South Sudan continues to grapple with internal tensions and fears of renewed conflict.
The U.S. government’s decision, announced by Secretary Kristi Noem, removes deportation protections for South Sudanese citizens who had been granted TPS after their country’s independence in 2011. The program had allowed around 230 people to live and work legally in the U.S. amid ongoing conflict and instability in South Sudan. Despite previous extensions due to unsafe conditions, Noem determined that the situation had improved, signaling an end to the protection status.
The termination, effective January 2026, includes a 60-day grace period for voluntary departure. Those affected will be required to leave by early January or face potential removal. Critics of the decision argue it reflects the administration’s broader stance on limiting immigration programs, with a DHS spokesperson asserting that TPS had been “abused” under previous administrations. Meanwhile, South Sudan continues to grapple with internal tensions and fears of renewed conflict.
