In response to the U.S. government’s decision to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for South Sudan, and recognizing all those whose TPS has been revoked from other countries over the past three months, Abby Maxman, President & CEO of Oxfam America, said:
“The Trump administration rolling back Temporary Protected Status—today for South Sudanese people—is yet another cruel political action that harms people and families fleeing conflict and humanitarian crises. This administration claims to stand for law and order, economic strength, and family values, but ending Temporary Protected Status for the people who have sought safety in the United States undermines all three. TPS holders are people who the U.S. government agreed were under threat in their home countries. They followed the legal process, completed background checks, earned the right to stay, and have spent years building their lives, raising families, and contributing to our economy.
“In the case of South Sudan, TPS had last been extended for 18 months due to ongoing armed conflict, widespread hunger, barriers to accessing basic needs like food, water, health care, and more. Since then, tensions in South Sudan have only escalated, and the Trump administration has canceled nearly all aid programs there, where the U.S. was by far the largest donor. By ripping away this lifeline, President Trump and his administration are directly increasing risks for South Sudanese families.
“The push to eliminate TPS is not a commitment to national security or economic health, but rather a calculated effort to sow division and scapegoat migrants for political gain. Every person has the right to live in safety and ending these protections sends a dangerous message that the U.S. government does not acknowledge those rights, even for those who play by the rules.
“Oxfam calls on leaders to defend TPS and fight for permanent solutions that provide stability and legal status for those who have made the U.S. their home.”
/ENDS
Notes to Editors:
There are currently 155 TPS holders from South Sudan and fewer than 300 eligible to apply. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/09/06/2023-19312/extension-and-redesignation-of-south-sudan-for-temporary-protected-status
Data from the UN shows that armed conflict in South Sudan has led to widespread hunger and barriers to accessing basic needs. https://www.unocha.org/publications/report/south-sudan/south-sudan-humanitarian-needs-and-response-plan-2025-issued-december-2024
U.S. foreign assistance in South Sudan has decreased from approximately $705 million in 2024 to just over $18 million in 2025. https://www.foreignassistance.gov/cd/south%20sudan/2023/obligations/0
Oxfam is a global organization that fights inequality to end poverty and injustice. We offer lifesaving support in times of crisis and advocate for economic justice, gender equality, and climate action. We demand equal rights and equal treatment so that everyone can thrive, not just survive. The future is equal. Join us at oxfamamerica.org.