Washington — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is about to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for South Sudanese nationals. This decision will affect thousands of people who have lived and worked legally in the U.S. for over a decade.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem made this choice after discussions with the State Department and other federal agencies. Despite warnings from the United Nations that South Sudan might be sliding back into conflict, DHS officials argue that the situation has improved enough to justify the end of TPS. They believe that continuing this status would not serve U.S. interests.
The TPS for South Sudan was set to expire on November 3, 2025. A DHS official stated that a formal notice will be issued soon, starting a 60-day period for South Sudanese nationals to leave the U.S. or face deportation. About 5,000 South Sudanese nationals are currently living in the country under this program.
For the past 14 years, TPS has protected individuals from South Sudan who cannot safely return home due to armed conflict and natural disasters. The program began after South Sudan gained independence in 2011 amid serious instability. Multiple administrations have extended this protection as conditions in the country remained dire.
The most recent extension was granted for 18 months by then-DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, citing ongoing challenges in South Sudan. This extension was automatically prolonged for another six months because a review was not completed on time.
Ending TPS marks a big shift in U.S. policy toward South Sudan. Humanitarian groups express concern that while DHS claims things are getting better, the reality is quite different. Peace is fragile, and economic hardships still pose risks for returning nationals.
In a recent report, the U.N. stated that “all indicators point to a slide back toward another deadly war.” Despite some progress in peace agreements, conflicts, corruption, and ineffective governance continue to threaten stability. The State Department maintains a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning for South Sudan due to ongoing violence and crime.
According to sources like the Council on Foreign Relations, violence related to government forces and militias continues to displace civilians and escalate tensions. The U.N. has also reported widespread human rights violations, including the recruitment of child soldiers and sexual violence.
U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk expressed deep concern about the possible collapse of the 2018 peace agreement, warning of worsening conditions for the civilian population in South Sudan. Recently, a U.N. commission warned that the political transition in South Sudan is failing. They pointed out ongoing ceasefire violations and the use of military force against civilians.
The humanitarian crisis in South Sudan is dire. The U.N. reports that nearly 9 million people need humanitarian aid, and 7.7 million are facing severe food insecurity. These alarming statistics highlight ongoing struggles for many South Sudanese who may now be forced to return.
Before the TPS ends, DHS is urging South Sudanese nationals to voluntarily depart the U.S. They can use the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) “CBP Home” app, which promises safe departure options and potential support. However, the specifics about future pathways for legal immigration remain unclear.
