South Sudanese Americans Confront Possible Deportation as TPS Expires in January
As Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for South Sudanese nationals nears its expiration on January 5, 2024, many are facing the possibility of deportation. Among them is Alex Lomong, a Virginia resident and accomplished middle-distance runner, who has embraced the United States as his home. Originally from South Sudan, Lomong fled to Kenya in 2003 due to escalating violence before arriving in the U.S. in 2009.
South Sudanese Americans Face Deportation Challenges
With the conclusion of TPS, South Sudanese individuals are left vulnerable to returning to a country plagued by famine and instability. “Being deported there is basically like a suicide mission,” Lomong shared with NBC News.
The Impact of Temporary Protected Status
TPS grants temporary legal status to individuals whose home countries are deemed unsafe. South Sudan received TPS designation in 2011 following its independence from Sudan. This designation has been crucial for many, allowing them to work and live in the U.S. for over a decade. Immigration lawyer Mariam Masumi emphasized the reliance of South Sudanese nationals on TPS, stating, “You have people who have been relying on that status for at least 14 years.”
The Situation in South Sudan
- Ongoing violence and political instability.
- Widespread hunger affecting millions.
- Designated a Level 4 travel advisory by the U.S. State Department, warning against travel to South Sudan.
Amid these dire conditions, many South Sudanese TPS holders have established lives in the U.S., particularly in states like Maine, where they have contributed to the local economy by opening businesses and becoming community leaders.
Challenges Ahead for South Sudanese Nationals
The potential end of TPS raises alarm among community leaders. Reverend Matthew Long from Portland’s Sudanese Fellowship Presbyterian Church reported rising anxiety among community members. “We should all be protected by the law in this country, but this is not the case right now,” he said.
As TPS nears expiration, the options for affected individuals become increasingly limited. Advocate Ruben Torres noted, “There may be other pathways for immigration, but they are very difficult to access.” With a backlog in the asylum system that can take years to resolve, alternatives such as H-visas are also closing off.
Hope Amid Uncertainty
Despite the looming threat of deportation, Lomong remains hopeful about his future. He continues to aspire to compete in the Olympics, inspired by his brother, Lopez Lomong, who served as a flag bearer for the U.S. in 2008. “I think it’s sad that we are just all a bunch of pawns in this big chess game,” he expressed, highlighting the uncertainty faced by many in the South Sudanese community.
As the date approaches, the fate of South Sudanese TPS holders hangs in the balance, prompting urgent calls for policy reevaluation and greater support for vulnerable communities in the U.S.
