South Sudanese Migrants Fight to Keep U. S. Protections

A group of South Sudanese migrants and a non-profit organization have taken legal action against the U.S. government, challenging a recent decision to end temporary protections for over 200 South Sudanese nationals living in the United States.

Legal Action in Boston Federal Court

The lawsuit, filed in a Boston federal court, claims that the Department of Homeland Security is putting these migrants at risk. The migrants argue that ending their Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is unlawful. TPS is a program that provides work authorization and protection from deportation to migrants from countries facing extreme conditions.

Key Claims of the Lawsuit

• Ignoring Humanitarian Crisis: The lawsuit argues that the government ignored the ongoing humanitarian crisis in South Sudan.
• Discrimination Allegations: It suggests that the decision was motivated by discrimination against non-white migrants.
• Support from African Communities Together: The non-profit organization supports these claims.

Background on South Sudan

South Sudan has faced severe conflicts since its independence in 2011. A civil war between 2013 and 2018 resulted in a massive loss of life. Despite this, the U.S. government has decided to end TPS for South Sudanese nationals. This decision follows similar actions against migrants from other countries, including Syria, Venezuela, and Haiti.

Implications of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit highlights the plight of these migrants, pointing out that ending TPS could force them back to a country still grappling with violence and instability. The migrants and their supporters are fighting to keep these protections in place.

Government Response

The Department of Homeland Security has not yet responded to these allegations. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for South Sudanese migrants and the broader debate on immigration policies.