Judge halts Homeland Security plan to end Temporary Protected Status for South Sudan

The termination was scheduled to take effect on Jan. 6. DHS's termination would impact about 232 South Sudanese nations who currently hold lawful status in the country under the protections, in addition to approximately 73 South Sudanese nationals who have pending applications, putting them at risk of imminent deportation, according to court documents.

South Sudanese nationals with TPS or pending applications will retain lawful status, work authorization and protection from deportation and detention.

South Sudan, a largely Christian country, gained independence in 2011 after a decades-long civil war with Sudan, a predominately Muslim country, making it the world's youngest nation.

A recent clash between the two forces in February has put civilians, particularly women and children, at extreme risk, with reports of conflict-related sexual violence, killings and abductions, according to the report.

Neighboring Sudan is also experiencing displacement and human rights concerns spurred by the 2023 split of an alliance between the government-led Sudanese armed forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

An administrative stay does not reflect a judgment on the merits of the case. DHS must file its opposition by Jan. 9, and the plaintiffs must file their reply by Jan. 13.

DHS did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Fox News' Chris Massaro contributed to this report.