U.S. Administration Renews Temporary Protected Status for Sudanese Nationals in the U.S.

Washington – Sudanhorizon – Agencies

The U.S. government has announced an extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Sudanese nationals currently residing in the United States. The decision, made due to the ongoing war in Sudan and the targeting of civilians during the conflict, ensures that Sudanese individuals under TPS will not be deported.

In a statement released Thursday morning (January 10, 2025), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the designation, effective from April 20, 2025, to October 19, 2026, will benefit approximately 2,000 Sudanese nationals. This extension is based on the continuing armed conflict and exceptional, temporary conditions in Sudan that prevent safe return.

Key Benefits of TPS

Under TPS, eligible individuals:

• Have the right to work in the United States.
• Are shielded from deportation as long as they are physically present in the U.S. at the time of the designation.
• Remain under review for potential eligibility for U.S. permanent residency, citizenship, and other rights.

The DHS clarified that the decision to extend TPS was made after consultations with relevant U.S. agencies and institutions. The primary reasons cited include the ongoing political instability, human rights violations, and direct attacks on civilians in Sudan.

Program Details and Requirements

The TPS extension allows current beneficiaries to maintain their status until October 19, 2026, provided they continue to meet the program’s eligibility criteria. Beneficiaries must re-register between January 17, 2025, and March 18, 2025, to retain their TPS status and work authorization.

Individuals applying for TPS or re-registration will undergo rigorous national security and public safety checks. Those deemed a threat to public safety may face detention, removal, or referral to federal agencies for further investigation or prosecution.

The program excludes individuals convicted of:

• A felony.
• Two or more misdemeanours.
• DHS Warnings

The DHS emphasized that this extension applies only to Sudanese nationals currently in the U.S. and already benefiting from TPS. It warned against attempts at irregular migration, stating that such efforts are “extremely dangerous and often result in loss of life.”

The DHS reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing U.S. laws, noting that noncitizens without a legal basis to remain in the U.S. will be subject to removal.