Amanze Chinonye
The United States has formally terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for South Sudanese nationals, giving affected migrants 60 days to leave the country before deportations begin in early January.
In a notice published Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the protection expired on Monday after more than a decade in place. The agency said South Sudan “no longer meets the conditions for designation,” noting that TPS had covered 232 South Sudanese citizens, with 73 pending applications yet to be decided.
TPS is a special humanitarian measure that shields migrants from countries experiencing war, natural disasters or other crises from deportation and grants them temporary work authorisation.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelFor many South Sudanese in the United States, it has served as a critical lifeline since the country gained independence in 2011.
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South Sudan remains one of Africa’s most fragile states. The 2013–2018 civil war killed an estimated 400,000 people and displaced millions. Although major fighting has subsided, insecurity persists alongside widespread hunger, severe malnutrition and continued political uncertainty.
A UN-backed food security monitor recently warned that hunger levels in the country are “extremely high,” raising fears about the safety and dignity of returnees.
The termination has drawn criticism from rights groups who argue the U.S. decision is premature. They warn that sending people back to an unstable environment could expose them to renewed hardship and insecurity.
The move forms part of President Donald Trump’s broader immigration overhaul, which has targeted humanitarian protections for several nationalities, including citizens of Syria, Haiti, Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua. Many of these terminations are already facing legal challenges in U.S. courts.
The administration has also sharply reduced refugee admissions, attracting criticism for undermining America’s global humanitarian commitments.
With TPS now ended:
- Beneficiaries have 60 days to depart voluntarily or pursue alternative legal status.
- Work authorisation remains valid only within this grace period.
- Deportations are expected to commence in early January.
- U.S. authorities are expected to coordinate return logistics with the Government of South Sudan.
Immigration lawyers are urging affected individuals to seek legal advice immediately as the countdown to the enforcement deadline begins.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
