The United States has decided to cancel visas for all South Sudanese passport holders. This action comes after South Sudan’s government refused to accept the return of its citizens who have been deported from the U.S.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision on Saturday. He stated that the U.S. will not only revoke existing visas but also prevent any South Sudanese citizens from entering the country. Rubio emphasized that South Sudan’s transitional government must accept its citizens when they are deported from another country, including the U.S.
This move is part of a broader immigration policy under President Donald Trump that aims to remove undocumented migrants from the U.S. Rubio expressed frustration, saying it is time for South Sudan to stop taking advantage of the U.S.
The situation is particularly tense as fears grow that South Sudan may slide back into civil war. The U.S. recently ordered non-emergency staff to leave South Sudan due to escalating violence, which threatens a fragile peace deal from 2018.
South Sudan, which became independent in 2011, has faced significant challenges since its creation. A civil war erupted just two years later, resulting in over 400,000 deaths. Although a power-sharing agreement in 2018 stopped the fighting, key aspects of the deal, such as a new constitution and elections, have not been implemented.
In the U.S., South Sudanese citizens had been granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS), allowing them to stay in the country for a limited time. However, this status was set to expire on May 3.
The U.S. has faced similar issues with other countries regarding the deportation of their nationals. Earlier this year, Colombian President Gustavo Petro blocked U.S. military flights carrying deported migrants from landing in Colombia. He later changed his mind after threats of tariffs and sanctions from the Trump administration.
As the situation develops, the U.S. continues to push for cooperation from South Sudan on the return of its citizens.