US Ends Temporary Protected Status for South Sudanese Nationals Amid Fears of Return to War
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced plans to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of South Sudan, effective January 2026. This decision comes as the US government assesses improved security conditions and diplomatic relations in the war-torn nation.
Despite concerns from humanitarian organizations and regional experts that peace remains fragile, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem cited an end to armed conflict and South Sudan's commitment to reintegrating returning nationals as reasons for terminating TPS. However, critics argue that these factors do not justify the termination, given ongoing human rights abuses, including child recruitment, sexual violence, and arbitrary detentions.
The 14-year-old TPS designation shielded thousands of displaced South Sudanese nationals from deportation and allowed them to work legally in the US. The program was extended multiple times by different administrations, citing extraordinary conditions that prevent individuals from safely returning.
However, the US State Department maintains a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for South Sudan due to ongoing violence, crime, and kidnapping. International mediators have reported progress toward implementing a peace agreement, but deepening economic distress creates challenges for any safe return.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has warned that the fragile truce could crumble, with fears of widespread violence intensifying. A UN commission on human rights has also warned that South Sudan's political transition is "falling apart," citing systematic violations of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement and the use of aerial bombardments in civilian areas.
As TPS terminates, DHS is urging South Sudanese nationals to depart voluntarily using a mobile app offering a complimentary plane ticket, an exit bonus of $1,000, and potential pathways for future legal immigration. However, critics question whether these measures will be sufficient to address the humanitarian crisis facing thousands of vulnerable individuals.
The termination marks a significant shift in US policy toward South Sudan, which remains one of the world's most fragile states. As tensions rise, international leaders must prioritize diplomatic efforts to ensure safe and sustainable solutions for those affected by this decision.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced plans to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of South Sudan, effective January 2026. This decision comes as the US government assesses improved security conditions and diplomatic relations in the war-torn nation.
Despite concerns from humanitarian organizations and regional experts that peace remains fragile, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem cited an end to armed conflict and South Sudan's commitment to reintegrating returning nationals as reasons for terminating TPS. However, critics argue that these factors do not justify the termination, given ongoing human rights abuses, including child recruitment, sexual violence, and arbitrary detentions.
The 14-year-old TPS designation shielded thousands of displaced South Sudanese nationals from deportation and allowed them to work legally in the US. The program was extended multiple times by different administrations, citing extraordinary conditions that prevent individuals from safely returning.
However, the US State Department maintains a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for South Sudan due to ongoing violence, crime, and kidnapping. International mediators have reported progress toward implementing a peace agreement, but deepening economic distress creates challenges for any safe return.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has warned that the fragile truce could crumble, with fears of widespread violence intensifying. A UN commission on human rights has also warned that South Sudan's political transition is "falling apart," citing systematic violations of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement and the use of aerial bombardments in civilian areas.
As TPS terminates, DHS is urging South Sudanese nationals to depart voluntarily using a mobile app offering a complimentary plane ticket, an exit bonus of $1,000, and potential pathways for future legal immigration. However, critics question whether these measures will be sufficient to address the humanitarian crisis facing thousands of vulnerable individuals.
The termination marks a significant shift in US policy toward South Sudan, which remains one of the world's most fragile states. As tensions rise, international leaders must prioritize diplomatic efforts to ensure safe and sustainable solutions for those affected by this decision.
The US's decision to end TPS for South Sudanese nationals comes at a critical time when the fragile peace in South Sudan is still uncertain. It's like leaving the lights on in an empty room - what's the point of trying to "return" people to a nation that may not even be safe for them? 
, I'm totally stoked they're ending TPS for South Sudanese nationals. Like, come on, it's not like we can't see what's going on in that country. The fact that DHS is just ignoring the human rights abuses and the ongoing violence makes me soooo annoyed 
. I mean, a "Level 4 Do Not Travel" advisory? That's like, super obvious, right? 
A little more effort from our government would be nice 
The US is ending TPS for South Sudanese folks? 
I'm worried about all these ppl who'll be deported back to war zones 
. They've been living here for years, building lives 
. It's not fair to just send them back without a safety net 
. The US should think about the humanitarian crisis 
. Those child recruits and sexual violences are real problems 
.
, but we need more action 
. A Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory is no joke 
! The UN is right to warn about the fragile truce crumbling 
. We gotta support those South Sudanese folks in a safe way 
.
. What's gonna happen when they get back home? 
The US needs to find better solutions for these ppl 
. They're human beings too! 
I'm really worried about these 14-year-old South Sudanese folks who've lived in the US all their lives 
. The $1k exit bonus sounds nice I guess, but it won't put food on their tables or a roof over their heads 
. Thousands of people are going to be forced back to a country that’s still in the middle of a war, where they could face all sorts of dangers like violence, kidnapping, and human rights abuses 
. It just seems so reckless to me. The US is basically abandoning these people who have been living here for years and contributing to society 
. I mean, what are they supposed to do? Just magically make a new life in South Sudan that’s safe and prosperous? 
It's not gonna happen. We need to be supporting humanitarian efforts to help them resettle somewhere safer 
I wish they would think about the human impact of this decision instead of just politics. And what's with all these promises of help to leave voluntarily? That's not good enough, if you ask me... 
when it's not even close to being true. What's gonna happen if the peace agreement fails? Are they gonna send these ppl back out into the war zone? That's just cruel