Potential Deportation of South Sudanese Nationals Under Legal Scrutiny

Wed Dec 31 2025 04:27:49 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A federal judge reviews the legality of President Trump's order to end temporary protected status for South Sudanese immigrants, placing deportation proceedings on hold.

A federal judge in Massachusetts, Angel Kelley, is examining the legality of President Trump's decision to revoke temporary protected status for approximately 300 South Sudanese nationals living in the U.S. Civil rights groups argue that this decision is unconstitutional and aimed at racially reducing immigrant numbers. Until the ruling is made, the government is temporarily barred from deporting these individuals amidst claims of potential harm and violence they would face upon return to South Sudan.

The fate of hundreds of South Sudanese nationals living in the U.S. hangs in the balance as a federal judge assesses the legality of President Donald Trump’s move to eliminate their temporary protected status (TPS). This move, scheduled to take effect on January 6, 2026, would potentially expose about 300 South Sudanese individuals to deportation.

Underscoring the urgency of the matter, U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley has temporarily halted any deportation proceedings while deliberating the case. Civil rights groups assert that the Trump administration's decision is unconstitutional, accusing it of targeting non-white immigrants and violating established administrative procedures.

In a ruling, Judge Kelley emphasized the far-reaching consequences that the decision could impose on East African migrants, compelling the court to thoroughly consider the implications of such a drastic change. “These significant and far-reaching consequences... require a full and careful consideration of the merits by the Court,” Kelley stated, highlighting the possibility of irreversible harm.

In response, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) criticized the ruling, framing it as an overreach by the judiciary that undermines the authority of the executive branch to manage immigration policies. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin asserted that TPS had been previously exploited to allow in individuals considered national security threats.

Temporary protected status is extended to foreign nationals from countries experiencing war, violence, or natural disasters. For South Sudan, TPS was granted in 2011 amid ongoing conflict that has led to enormous humanitarian crises, with many still facing significant challenges upon return.

While DHS claims improvements in safety and conditions within South Sudan justify the repeal of TPS, critics and analysts contend that the return of refugees amid such instability is perilous. Dorian Spence, from Communities United for Status and Protection, criticized the rationale, stating that U.S. State Department advisories indicate it remains unsafe for repatriation.

South Sudanese nationals' eligibility for TPS highlights their precarious position, heavily reliant on aid as their government struggles to provide basic services. With looming famine conditions reported in parts of the country, the urgency of securing their status in the U.S. has never been more critical.