Effective January 5, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will officially terminate the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for South Sudan, ending protections for nationals of South Sudan and stateless individuals who last habitually resided there.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem determined that the country no longer meets the statutory criteria for TPS designation:
- No ongoing armed conflict posing a serious threat to personal safety.
- Improved civil safety and infrastructure, including investments in fiber-optic networks and community resilience projects.
- Diplomatic cooperation from South Sudan in accepting deportees and supporting reintegration.
- National interest concerns, including public safety and immigration enforcement priorities.
Background:
South Sudan was first designated for TPS in October 2011 due to armed conflict and extraordinary conditions. The designation was extended and redesignated multiple times through 2025, with the most recent automatic extension expiring on November 3, 2025.
Impacts:
- TPS status will end at 11:59 PM local time on January 5, 2026 (60 days after publication in the Federal Register).
- Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) issued under South Sudan’s TPS designation are automatically extended through the termination date.
- After termination, beneficiaries will revert to their prior immigration status (if any) or any other lawfully obtained status still valid at the time of termination.
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