Trump Administration Ends Temporary Protected Status for South Sudan

The Trump administration has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for South Sudanese nationals in the United States, affecting around 5,000 individuals. The decision, which was communicated on Wednesday, will allow approximately 230 South Sudanese currently residing in the U.S. under TPS a 60-day grace period to leave the country before deportation begins in early January 2026.

TPS is a humanitarian designation established under U.S. law, providing temporary protection from deportation to foreign nationals from countries experiencing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other crises. The program for South Sudan was first authorized in 2011 by the Obama administration due to ongoing violence and instability in the region. It has been extended multiple times since then, allowing eligible nationals to live and work legally in the U.S. without the fear of deportation.

DHS officials justified the decision by citing renewed peace efforts in South Sudan and improved diplomatic relations. A spokesperson stated, “Under the previous administration, Temporary Protected Status was abused to allow violent terrorists, criminals, and national security threats into our nation. TPS was never designed to be permanent.”

Despite these claims, reports from the United Nations indicate that armed clashes are escalating and food insecurity is deepening in parts of South Sudan. Since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, the country has struggled with repeated violence, including a civil war from 2013 to 2018 that resulted in the deaths of approximately 400,000 people. Critics argue that returning South Sudanese nationals to such an unstable environment poses significant humanitarian risks.

The termination of TPS for South Sudan follows similar actions taken by the Trump administration, which has also revoked TPS designations for countries including Afghanistan, Cameroon, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Syria, and Venezuela. Many of these terminations have faced legal challenges, leading to court decisions that have, for now, temporarily halted the process for all affected countries except Afghanistan and Cameroon, whose TPS ended on July 12 and August 4, respectively.

The latest move regarding South Sudan is expected to be met with legal challenges as well. Advocates for the South Sudanese community express concern that many may be forced back to a country still grappling with instability and violence, undermining the long-standing protections that TPS provided for 14 years.

The DHS notice acknowledges the ongoing instability in South Sudan but highlights negotiations with the transitional government in Juba as part of its rationale for the decision. The implications of this policy shift are significant, prompting fears among advocates that the safety and well-being of South Sudanese nationals in the U.S. could be compromised.

The announcement has sparked widespread concern and debate, emphasizing the delicate balance between immigration policy and humanitarian obligations in the face of ongoing international crises.