UPDATE: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is set to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of South Sudan, according to exclusive reports from CBS News. This urgent decision will impact over 5,000 South Sudanese nationals living in the United States, ending more than a decade of protection amid ongoing concerns about safety in their home country.
The DHS plans to publish a formal notice of termination in the Federal Register later this week, initiating a 60-day grace period for those affected to depart the U.S. or face deportation once their status officially expires in January 2026. This decision, made by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem after consultations with the State Department and other agencies, comes despite warnings from the United Nations that South Sudan is at risk of slipping back into open conflict.
DHS officials argue that improvements in diplomatic relations and the end of armed conflict justify the termination of TPS. However, humanitarian groups caution that conditions remain precarious. Ongoing challenges include rampant economic distress and deep-seated political instability, raising fears of a potential return to widespread violence. As recently stated by U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, “all indicators point to a slide back toward another deadly war.”
The TPS program has shielded South Sudanese nationals from deportation since the country’s independence in 2011, allowing them to work legally in the U.S. The program has been extended multiple times, with the latest renewal occurring just over a year ago, citing “ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary conditions” that made safe return impossible.
The termination marks a significant shift in U.S. policy toward South Sudan, where humanitarian crises persist. Currently, nearly 9 million people in the country require assistance, with 7.7 million facing acute food insecurity. In light of these conditions, the DHS is urging those choosing to leave voluntarily to utilize the Customs and Border Protection’s CBP Home mobile app, which offers a secure way to self-deport, including incentives such as a complimentary plane ticket and an exit bonus of $1,000.
As the situation unfolds, the international community remains concerned about the fragile peace in South Sudan. Experts warn that political detentions, violations of peace agreements, and violence against civilians continue to undermine stability. The U.S. State Department maintains a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for South Sudan, citing ongoing armed conflict and crime.
For South Sudanese nationals in the U.S., the window for making critical decisions is closing fast. The implications of this policy shift will be felt deeply, as many navigate uncertain futures amid increasing pressure to return to a homeland fraught with danger. Officials and humanitarian organizations are closely monitoring the unfolding situation as the DHS prepares to finalize its decision.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
