(WASHINGTON DC) – The United States government has announced that the special residency protection given to South Sudanese nationals under Temporary Protected Status will end on 5 January 2026. The decision affects many South Sudanese who have been living and working in the United States for more than ten years.
The announcement was issued by the US Department of Homeland Security after a review carried out in consultation with the US Department of State. The review concluded that the current situation in South Sudan no longer meets the legal conditions needed to continue the programme.
Temporary Protected Status was first granted to South Sudanese nationals in 2011, the same year the country gained independence. The programme allowed individuals from South Sudan to live and work in the United States because of instability at home. The status has since been renewed several times in periods of eighteen months.
The United States government stated that South Sudanese nationals affected by the change will have the option to take part in a self return programme. This programme will include a free plane ticket and a one time departure allowance of 1,000 US Dollars. Based on current exchange values, this allowance equals 7,100,000 South Sudanese Pounds.
| Return Support Item | Value in USD | Value in SSP (at 1 USD = 7,100 SSP) |
|---|---|---|
| Departure allowance | 1,000 USD | 7,100,000 SSP |
| Air travel | Free | Free |
Those who choose to return will be required to record their departure through an online application run by US Customs and Border Protection.
Employment documents for South Sudanese currently under Temporary Protected Status will expire on the day the programme ends. Employers in the United States will be required to reverify work permission before any continued employment.
The ending of the programme has brought concern among South Sudanese families, students and professionals living in the United States. Many have been in the country for several years, have started families, or have formed community and work ties.
There is also growing discussion about what this decision may mean for remittances sent home. Money sent from the South Sudanese diaspora plays an important part in helping relatives manage daily needs, education fees and small business activities.
Community leaders and diaspora organisations are expected to request further clarity from the United States government on how the return process will be organised, especially for family households and those with children born or raised in the United States.
The government of South Sudan has not yet made a public statement about the development. Coordination between the two countries may be needed to assist those returning and to prepare support for reintegration into communities in South Sudan.
The announcement forms part of wider immigration changes taking place in the United States, where rules for foreign residency and work permissions have seen new restrictions affecting a number of nationalities.
US Ends Residency Protection for South Sudan Citizens
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Policy Affected | Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for South Sudanese in the United States |
| Decision | TPS will end for South Sudanese nationals |
| Effective End Date | 5 January 2026 |
| Return Support Offered | Free flight + 1,000 USD (approx. 7,100,000 SSP) per returning individual |
| First Granted | 2011, after South Sudan’s independence |
| Main Reason for Ending TPS | US review concluded that conditions in South Sudan have changed |
| Groups Affected | South Sudanese families, students, workers in the US |
| Key Concern Raised | Uncertainty about return planning and possible loss of household remittances |
| Government Response | South Sudan government has not yet issued a public statement |
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