People From South Sudan Will Lose Temporary US Legal Status

The silhouettes of South Sudanese people are seen through a South Sudanese flag as they line up to cast their votes in Juba, South Sudan, Jan. 9, 2011. AP Photo/Jerome Delay, File

JUBA, South Sudan—The United States is terminating South Sudan’s designation for temporary protected status, which for years allowed people from the East African country to remain in the U.S. legally and escape armed conflict back home.

The termination will be effective Jan. 5, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement.