WASHINGTON 

A US federal judge on Tuesday blocked the Trump administration from ending temporary protected status for South Sudanese nationals.

District Judge Angel Kelley ordered the stay after plaintiffs sued the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and related agencies over the government’s decision, effective Jan. 6, 2026, to terminate the immigration protections.

The policy change would affect approximately 232 South Sudanese nationals currently protected under the measure, as well as about 73 individuals with pending applications.

"Because of the serious consequences at stake, both for the Plaintiffs and the Defendants, the Court finds an administrative stay appropriate, as it would 'minimize harm,' while allowing the assigned District Court Judge the time this case deserves," Kelly wrote in her ruling.

Kelley adopted an expedited briefing schedule, requiring the government to file its opposition by Jan. 9, 2026, and plaintiffs to submit a reply by Jan. 13. The assigned district judge will determine whether oral arguments are necessary.

Last month, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said she had reviewed conditions in South Sudan and decided the administration would end temporary protected status for the country's nationals after Jan. 5.

The designation was first granted for South Sudan in 2011, following that country’s independence and years of instability. It was last extended in 2023 for 18 months by then-DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas due to conflict and humanitarian concerns.