The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced March 2 it was designating Sudan and redesignating South Sudan for Temporary Protected Status, citing dangerous environments in both countries.
Temporary Protected Status is a designation given to individuals from a country deemed unstable, thus preventing them from returning home safely. Those with this status cannot be removed from the U.S., can obtain employment authorization and can travel freely.
"Sudan is currently experiencing political instability and unrest, and armed conflict in South Sudan has displaced millions of residents," said Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “After careful consideration, I have decided to offer temporary protection to Sudanese and South Sudanese nationals in the U.S. until conditions in each country improve and individuals can safely return.”
The decision was made after consultation with interagency partners and consideration of the conditions in each country, the news release said.
South Sudan reportedly continues to face increased violence from armed forces and governmental groups as well as severe flooding that has led to the direst food crisis the country has faced since its founding in 2011. Meanwhile, Sudan faces similar floods as well as the fallout from a violent military takeover, including violence and human rights abuses.
Sudanese and South Sudanese individuals have been granted the protected status for 18 months, effective March 1 for Sudan and May 3 for South Sudan. Eligible individuals must have continually lived in the U.S. since March 1 and have successfully undergone background checks.
