Archive · 6 Nov 2025
US Ends Temporary Protected Status for South Sudanese Nationals
People from South Sudan have been allowed to live and work in the U.S. for 14 years because their country has been unsafe due to war and other problems.
This special permission is called Temporary Protected Status, or TPS.
Even though the U.S. government says things are better in South Sudan now, like they've made peace and have better relationships, the United Nations has warned that there is still a lot of fighting and people are not getting enough food.
Because the U.S. government believes South Sudan no longer needs this protection, about 5,000 South Sudanese people living in the U.S. must leave within 60 days, by early January 2026, or they could be sent back home.
This is part of a bigger trend where the Trump administration has ended these protections for people from several other countries too.
The Trump administration is ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 5,000 South Sudanese nationals in the U.S.
South Sudanese nationals will have a 60-day grace period to leave the U.S. before deportation begins in early January 2026.
The TPS designation for South Sudan has been in place for 14 years, initially authorized by the Obama administration.
DHS cited renewed peace and improved diplomatic relations in South Sudan as justification for ending TPS, despite UN warnings of ongoing conflict and food insecurity.
This decision follows similar revocations of TPS for other countries and is expected to face legal challenges.
- Who
- The Trump administration (Department of Homeland Security - DHS)
- What
- Ending the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for South Sudanese nationals in the U.S.
- When
- Notice issued on Wednesday, with a 60-day grace period for departure starting in early January 2026.
- Where
- United States
- Why
- DHS determined that South Sudan no longer meets the conditions for the TPS designation, citing renewed peace and improved diplomatic relations.
Conditions in South Sudan
DHS Determination
Humanitarian Situation
Conditions in South Sudan
South Sudan has faced repeated violent conflicts since gaining independence in 2011, including a civil war from 2013-2018 that left 400,000 people dead. United Nations reports warn of escalating armed clashes and deepening food insecurity in parts of the country, with fears of famine. The program for South Sudanese has been in place for 14 years due to these conditions.
DHS Determination
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) cited renewed peace in South Sudan and improved diplomatic relations as justification for ending TPS. A spokesperson stated that TPS was never designed to be permanent and was abused under previous administrations.
- Agency
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- Program
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
- Affected Nationality
- South Sudanese nationals
- Grace Period for Departure
- 60 days
- Departure Effective Date
- Early January 2026
- Number of South Sudanese in US with TPS
- Approximately 5,000 (cited as ~230 approved to live and work by NYT)
- Duration of TPS for South Sudan
- 14 years
