On February 12, 2026, Federal Judge Patti Saris issued a ruling that prevents the Trump administration from terminating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for South Sudanese refugees. This status, which has been in place since 2011, allows these refugees to remain in the United States and grants them work authorization due to the instability and conflict in their home country. Judge Saris criticized the administration for allegedly providing a false rationale for ending this important protection.

In her judgment, Judge Saris pointed out a pattern of behavior from the Trump administration that sought to terminate TPS designations across the board, not just for South Sudan. This strategy has raised concerns among humanitarian advocates who argue that the cancellation of such protections puts vulnerable populations at greater risk of deportation and worsens their already precarious situations. The ruling is seen as a significant victory for the rights of refugees and immigrants in the U.S.

As ongoing conflicts and crises continue to affect many nations, the decision emphasizes the importance of upholding international obligations to protect those displaced by war and disaster. This case also highlights the broader implications of immigration policies in the United States and the need for legislative frameworks that address the rights of refugees more comprehensively, especially in times of political turmoil.