Humanitarian Relief for South Sudanese and Ethiopians Terminated

The Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (“TPS”) for nationals of South Sudan and Ethiopia. These terminations take effect 60 days after their publication in the Federal Register, meaning that TPS status and all related benefits, including work and travel authorization, will no longer be valid starting January 5, 2026 for South Sudan and February 13, 2026 for Ethiopia.

By way of background, the U.S. government offers TPS to citizens of a country when their homeland experiences persistent armed conflict (like civil war), an environmental catastrophe (such as earthquakes or hurricanes), an epidemic, or other exceptional and transient circumstances. TPS allows nationals of these countries to live and work in the United States temporarily until their home country stabilizes and they are able to return safely. TPS also ensures protection from removal for an individual when their home country is in crisis.

South Sudan was first designated for TPS in October 2011 due to armed conflict and extraordinary humanitarian conditions, including human rights concerns. That designation has been repeatedly extended, with the most recent extension set to expire on January 5, 2026.

Ethiopia was first designated for TPS in October 2022 based on armed conflict and severe environmental conditions that contributed to grave humanitarian concerns, including access to food, water, and healthcare. DHS later extended that designation, which is set to expire on February 13, 2026.

While acknowledging that certain challenges remain in both countries, the Secretary of Homeland Security concluded that current conditions in both countries have sufficiently stabilized such that the requirements for TPS are no longer met. Additionally, the Secretary of Homeland Security has determined that allowing these nationals to remain in the United States is contrary to national interest.

As a result, TPS for South Sudanese and Ethiopian nationals will be terminated. Individuals currently under TPS for South Sudan must depart the U.S. by January 5, 2026, and individuals currently under TPS for Ethiopia must depart by February 13, 2026, unless they obtain another lawful immigration status.

Individuals leaving the United States should report their timely departure on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP Home app. According to the USCIS website, the agency is offering incentives to South Sudanese and Ethiopians benefiting from TPS to self-deport, including “complimentary plane tickets, a $1,000 exit bonus, and possible future opportunities for legal immigration.”

DHS estimates these terminations will affect approximately 232 South Sudanese and 5,000 Ethiopians currently residing in the United States under TPS.

As a reminder, DHS also recently terminated TPS for Burma (effective January 26, 2026) and Haiti (effective February 3, 2026).

This alert is for informational purposes only. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this development further.