Washington —
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is planning to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of South Sudan imminently, as exclusively reported by CBS News. This decision will end over a decade of protection allowing thousands of displaced South Sudanese to live and work legally in the United States.
Decision and Justification
According to DHS officials, Secretary Kristi Noem made this call after consulting with the State Department and other federal agencies. Despite warnings from the United Nations and other organizations about potential regression into open warfare in South Sudan, DHS cited the end of armed conflict, improved diplomatic relations, and the nation’s commitment to reintegrating returning nationals as reasons for termination. They claimed continuing TPS would be “contrary” to U.S. interests.
Timeframe and Impact
The TPS designation lapsed on November 3, 2025, and a formal notice of termination will be published in the Federal Register this week, according to a DHS official. This triggers a 60-day grace period for South Sudanese nationals to depart voluntarily or face deportation after their status officially expires in January. DHS estimates around 5,000 South Sudanese are currently living in the U.S.
Historical Context and Recent Developments
Over the past 14 years, under TPS, South Sudanese nationals could not be deported due to armed conflict and environmental disasters making safe return impossible. The designation was renewed repeatedly, most recently for 18 months from November 2023 to May 2025, and then extended automatically for six months until November 3, 2025.
Concerns Over Instability
Humanitarian groups and regional experts caution that peace in South Sudan remains fragile. Despite some progress towards implementing a peace agreement, challenges like violence, corruption, weak state institutions, and economic distress make safe return difficult. The U.S. State Department maintains a “Do Not Travel” advisory for South Sudan due to persistent armed conflict, crime, and kidnapping.
United Nations Warnings
The U.N. has documented human rights abuses and warned of potential collapse of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement. In September, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed grave concern about a return to widespread violence. Similarly, in October, a U.N. commission on human rights stated that South Sudan’s political transition is “falling apart.”
DHS Assistance for Voluntary Departure
In preparation for termination, DHS is encouraging South Sudanese nationals to use the Customs and Border Protection “CBP Home” mobile app to report their departure voluntarily. This app offers a secure way to self-deport with complimentary plane tickets, an exit bonus of $1,000, and potential pathways for future legal immigration to the U.S., although DHS has not specified these pathways.