In a dramatic move, the United States has revoked all visas for South Sudanese passport holders and blocked new arrivals, citing the country’s failure to accept the return of its nationals expelled from the US. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision on Saturday, signaling a tough stance on the African nation’s non-compliance with repatriation obligations.
“This is a necessary action to prevent further entry of South Sudanese nationals into the United States,” Rubio said in a statement, emphasizing that Washington had no choice but to take such measures due to South Sudan’s refusal to cooperate in the timely return of its citizens. This is the first time such sweeping action has been taken against a country since President Donald Trump resumed office in January.
Rubio criticized South Sudan’s transitional government, accusing them of “taking advantage” of the US and failing to uphold their responsibility to accept the return of their nationals. He added that the US would consider reversing the visa revocation if South Sudan fully cooperates in the future.
South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, remains one of the poorest and continues to grapple with political instability. With tensions between political leaders still high, many fear a resurgence of civil war, a conflict that claimed 400,000 lives between 2013 and 2018.
The move comes just as temporary protected status (TPS) for South Sudanese nationals in the US is set to expire in 2025, a designation granted by former President Joe Biden. This status, which shields individuals from deportation due to unsafe conditions in their home country, affects approximately 133 South Sudanese currently living in the US, with an additional 140 eligible for the program.
The US has been tightening its immigration policies under the Trump administration, notably revoking TPS for over 600,000 Venezuelans earlier this year. This visa revocation for South Sudanese nationals is seen as part of a broader trend of stricter immigration enforcement, especially as increasing numbers of Africans attempt to enter the US through its southern border.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions surrounding US immigration policy and the complex dynamics between the US and its international counterparts on issues of deportation and repatriation.
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