US revokes all South Sudan visas, bars future issuance until deportees accepted

Secretary of State Marco Rubio made a significant announcement on Saturday, revealing that the United States would be revoking visas held by South Sudanese passport holders, effective immediately. Additionally, no new visas will be issued to individuals from South Sudan. This decision was attributed to the failure of South Sudan’s transitional government to promptly accept the return of its repatriated citizens.

The U.S. Department of State released a statement emphasizing the importance of enforcing immigration laws for national security and public safety. It reiterated that every country must cooperate in accepting the return of its citizens when another nation seeks to remove them. The department clarified that these actions would be reconsidered once South Sudan demonstrates full cooperation.

The East African nation is currently on the brink of civil war, facing escalating armed conflict, mass displacement, and severe food insecurity. The U.S. Embassy in Khartoum had suspended its operations, including visa, passport, and other consular services, on April 22, 2023.

This decision comes shortly after the Trump administration ended deportation protections for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans in the U.S. The Department of Homeland Security announced the revocation of Temporary Protected Status for over 300,000 nationals. Since taking office, the Trump administration has deported more than 100,000 illegal migrants, according to reports.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for the Republic of South Sudan and the United Nations South Sudan declined to comment on the matter. It is essential to note that this development reflects the ongoing challenges faced by South Sudan and the implications for its citizens residing in the U.S.

In conclusion, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s announcement regarding the revocation of visas for South Sudanese passport holders underscores the complexities of immigration policies and the impact on diplomatic relations between nations. As the situation in South Sudan continues to evolve, it remains crucial for all parties involved to address the underlying issues and work towards a resolution.