In a significant legal ruling, hundreds of South Sudanese immigrants in the United States gained temporary relief from deportation as a federal judge evaluates the legality of the Trump administration's move to revoke their temporary protected status (TPS). This development comes amidst allegations from civil rights groups that the decision is discriminatory and unconstitutional.
With a ruling from U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley, the deportation process is effectively stalled while the case is heard. As it stands, the TPS, which allows residents from countries experiencing turmoil to remain in the U.S., could be terminated by January 6, 2026, leaving approximately 300 South Sudanese nationals vulnerable to removal from the country.
Civil rights organizations filed a lawsuit in late December, asserting that the termination of TPS violates both administrative procedures and the constitutional rights of immigrants. These claims are founded on the argument that this decision aims to reduce non-white and non-European immigrants based on their race.
“It’s crucial that the Court carefully weighs the far-reaching and significant consequences on these individuals during this time,” Judge Kelley stated, highlighting concerns that changes in immigration policy could inflict irreversible harm on migrants.
In response, the Department of Homeland Security criticized the court's ruling, arguing that TPS has been misused to allow individuals deemed as security threats to reside in the U.S. The DHS assistant secretary called the ruling an overreach of judicial authority.
Currently, TPS was granted to South Sudanese nationals in 2011 due to ongoing conflict and instability within their home country. As conditions in South Sudan remain perilous—with many citizens succumbing to hunger and the political framework still in disarray—the assertion from the government claiming that conditions have improved is met with skepticism.
Critics within the South Sudanese community contend that the decision to end TPS appears retaliatory, reflecting political motivations linked to South Sudan’s refusal to accept deportations from the U.S. This raises concerns about the administration’s stance on immigration and their focus on creating a 'whiter' America.
The outcome of this legal battle may set a precedent regarding TPS and its future for numerous nationalities currently residing in the U.S., including those from Ethiopia, Cameroon, Afghanistan, and more.
