WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Department of Homeland Security is calling on South Sudanese to self-deport after announcing the termination of the designation of South Sudanese for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), effective on Jan. 5, 2026.
A statement posted by the DHS said Secretary Kristi Noem determined that conditions in South Sudan no longer meet the TPS statutory requirements.
The secretary’s decision was based on a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) review of the conditions in South Sudan and in consultation with the Department of State.
After January 5, 2025, the DHS said South Sudanese nationals and aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in South Sudan will no longer have TPS.
It urges South Sudanese nationals leaving the United States to use the U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP Home Mobile App to report their departure from the United States and take advantage of a safe, secure way to self-deport.
It said South Sudanese nationals who are willing to leave will receive a complimentary plane ticket, a $1,000 exit bonus, and potential future opportunities for legal immigration.
What Is Temporary Protected Status?
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security, after consultation with appropriate agencies of the U.S. Government, to designate a foreign state for TPS if the Secretary determines that certain country conditions exist.
The Secretary, in her discretion, may grant TPS to eligible nationals of that foreign state or aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in the designated foreign state.
TPS is a temporary immigration benefit granted to eligible nationals of a country designated for TPS, or to eligible aliens without nationality who last habitually resided in the designated country.
During the designation period, TPS beneficiaries are eligible to remain in the United States and may not be removed, so long as they continue to meet the requirements of the policy.
In addition, TPS beneficiaries are authorized to work and obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), if requested, for a period of one year from the date of adjudication or the duration of the TPS designation.
