South Sudan is a country that has been through its fair share of struggles and challenges. It is a landlocked nation in East-Central Africa, bordered by Sudan to the north, Ethiopia to the east, Kenya to the southeast, Uganda to the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the southwest, and the Central African Republic to the west. Despite being a relatively young nation, having gained independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has faced numerous issues since its inception.
One of the biggest challenges that the people of South Sudan have faced is insecurity. The country has been plagued by civil war and violence, causing a significant number of its citizens to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighboring countries. It is estimated that over 2.2 million South Sudanese have been forced to flee their homes due to the ongoing conflict.
In recognition of the dire situation in South Sudan, the United States government granted temporary protected status (TPS) to its citizens in 2011. TPS is a humanitarian program that allows individuals from designated countries to temporarily live and work in the United States if they are unable to return to their home country due to ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary conditions.
The decision to grant TPS to South Sudanese nationals was a much-needed lifeline for those who had been displaced by the conflict. It provided them with the opportunity to rebuild their lives in a safe and stable environment while their home country worked towards achieving peace and stability.
Since then, TPS has been extended multiple times, with the latest extension being in March 2021. This extension will allow approximately 1,035 South Sudanese nationals to continue living and working in the United States until May 2022. This decision was made after a thorough assessment of the current situation in South Sudan and the ongoing efforts to bring about lasting peace in the country.
The impact of TPS on the lives of South Sudanese nationals cannot be overstated. It has provided them with a sense of security and stability, allowing them to focus on rebuilding their lives and providing for their families. Many have been able to find employment, enroll in educational programs, and contribute to their communities in the United States.
Furthermore, TPS has also had a positive impact on the economy of South Sudan. The remittances sent back home by South Sudanese living in the United States have been a crucial source of income for their families and have helped to boost the country’s economy. Additionally, the skills and knowledge gained by South Sudanese nationals while living in the United States can be utilized for the country’s development once they return.
However, as much as TPS has been a lifeline for South Sudanese nationals, it is not a permanent solution. The ultimate goal is for South Sudan to achieve lasting peace and stability so that its citizens can return to their home country and rebuild it. The United States government has been actively working towards this goal by providing humanitarian aid and supporting peacebuilding efforts in South Sudan.
In recent years, there have been positive developments in South Sudan, with the signing of a peace agreement in 2018 and the formation of a transitional government in 2020. These are significant steps towards achieving lasting peace and stability in the country. However, there is still a long way to go, and the United States government continues to support these efforts.
In conclusion, South Sudan is a country that has faced numerous challenges, including insecurity and displacement. The United States government’s decision to grant temporary protected status to its citizens has been a crucial lifeline, providing them with a safe and stable environment to rebuild their lives. While TPS is not a permanent solution, it has had a positive impact on the lives of South Sudanese nationals and their home country’s economy. The ultimate goal is for South Sudan to achieve lasting peace and stability, and the United States government remains committed to supporting these efforts.
