Tue Dec 30 16:21:36 UTC 2025: News Article:

Judge Blocks Trump Administration’s Attempt to End Protected Status for South Sudanese Immigrants

Boston, MA – A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for South Sudanese citizens living in the United States. Judge Angel Kelley issued the order on Tuesday, preventing the expiration of TPS for South Sudanese, which was slated to end on January 5th.

The lawsuit, filed by African Communities Together and several South Sudanese individuals, alleges that the Department of Homeland Security acted unlawfully in its attempt to strip South Sudanese citizens of TPS. This status protects individuals from deportation and allows them to work legally in the U.S., and it is granted to citizens of countries facing dangerous conditions like natural disasters or armed conflict. South Sudan was initially granted TPS in 2011, at the time of the country’s independence, and it has been repeatedly renewed.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem argued that South Sudan no longer warrants TPS due to a renewed peace agreement and a commitment to reintegrating returning nationals.

However, critics point out that the situation in South Sudan remains dire, with ongoing conflict, widespread displacement, and a severe humanitarian crisis, including near-record levels of food insecurity. A UN panel of experts recently reported that the suffering of South Sudanese civilians has remained unchanged.

The lawsuit underscores the dangers South Sudanese citizens would face if deported back to their home country, and the decision marks another setback for the Trump administration’s efforts to curtail immigration and end TPS for nationals from various countries, including Syria, Venezuela, Haiti, Cuba, and Nicaragua.

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