A US federal judge on Tuesday blocked the Trump administration from ending temporary protected status for South Sudanese nationals.
District Judge Angel Kelley issued the stay after plaintiffs sued the Department of Homeland Security and related agencies over the scheduled termination.
The policy change, set for Jan. 6, 2026, would affect roughly 232 South Sudanese nationals and about 73 applicants with pending protections.
Kelley wrote the court found an administrative stay appropriate, aiming to “minimize harm” while the case receives careful judicial review.
The judge adopted an expedited briefing schedule, requiring the government to file opposition by Jan. 9, 2026, with plaintiffs’ reply due Jan. 13.
The assigned district judge will later determine whether oral arguments are necessary to fully consider the case’s implications.
Last month, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced her decision to end temporary protected status for South Sudan nationals after Jan. 5.
The designation was first granted in 2011, following South Sudan’s independence and years of civil conflict and instability in the region.
It was last extended in 2023 for 18 months by then-Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, citing ongoing humanitarian and security concerns.
The ruling offers a temporary reprieve for affected individuals, keeping their legal protections intact while courts examine the administration’s decision.
Civil rights groups hailed the decision as critical, noting the potential risks to those facing uncertain conditions if protections were abruptly removed.
