The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of South Sudan, effective January 5, 2026. This decision was published in the Federal Register and follows the agency’s required review of country conditions.
Why TPS for South Sudan Is Ending
Under federal law, the Secretary of Homeland Security must periodically review each country’s TPS designation to determine whether the conditions that originally justified protection continue to exist. After consulting with the U.S. Department of State and other interagency partners, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem concluded that South Sudan no longer meets the statutory requirements for TPS.
That means that, in the government’s view, conditions such as armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary situations that made return unsafe have improved enough to allow repatriation.
What This Means for South Sudanese Nationals
TPS for South Sudan will officially end on January 5, 2026. When the termination becomes effective, TPS beneficiaries will lose protection from deportation and employment authorization tied to their TPS status.
DHS will issue additional guidance about the re-registration period, employment authorization document (EAD) expiration dates, and transition timelines in the coming months.
What You Can Do Now
If you or someone you know currently holds TPS under South Sudan’s designation:
-
Check your immigration record. Confirm your TPS approval dates, EAD validity, and any other pending applications.
-
Explore other legal options. You may qualify for asylum, family-based immigration, employment-based visas, or other humanitarian protections.
-
Consult an experienced immigration attorney. Don’t wait until the final days before the termination date — some applications take months to prepare.
-
Stay informed. Follow DHS and USCIS updates for official announcements regarding re-registration or documentation deadlines.