U.S. Revokes All South Sudan Visas Amid Repatriation Dispute

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Saturday that the United States will revoke all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders. The decision takes effect immediately, and no new visas will be issued to South Sudanese citizens.

Reasons Behind the Visa Revocation

Rubio attributed the visa revocation to the South Sudanese transitional government’s failure to accept the prompt return of its citizens who have been repatriated from the U.S. This announcement came via a statement posted on X, a social media platform.

The U.S. Department of State emphasized that the Transitional Government of South Sudan has been taking advantage of the U.S. and must now be held accountable.

Importance of Immigration Enforcement

According to the statement from the Department of State, enforcing immigration laws is vital for both national security and public safety in the United States. It stressed that every nation must accept the timely return of its citizens when another country seeks to deport them.

The U.S. government indicated that it would be open to reviewing the current measures if South Sudan demonstrates full cooperation regarding the repatriation process.

Current State of South Sudan

South Sudan is grappling with severe challenges, including an escalating civil war, widespread mass displacement, and a dire food crisis. The ongoing humanitarian issues have compounded the situation, highlighting the urgency of the visa revocation.

Impact on U.S. Embassy Operations

In light of regional instability, the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum suspended its operations as of April 22, 2023. This suspension affects visa applications, passport services, and other routine consular services.

Related Immigration Policies Under Previous Administration

The recent visa revocations follow a similar move by the Trump administration in February, which ended a deportation shield for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans living in the U.S. These immigration policy shifts underscore a broader framework concerning the handling of foreign nationals.

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed plans to revoke protections for over 300,000 nationals who have benefitted from Temporary Protected Status.

Since taking office, the Trump administration has reported the deportation of over 100,000 individuals without legal status. According to a report from the New York Post, based on statements from DHS officials, these deportation actions have been significant.

Lack of Response from South Sudanese Officials

In the wake of the U.S. decision, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for the Republic of South Sudan did not provide an immediate comment regarding the visa revocation.

Moreover, requests for comments from the United Nations Office in South Sudan also went unanswered, indicating a potential lack of clarity in the ongoing diplomatic relations.

Looking Ahead

The U.S. government’s decision to revoke visas for South Sudanese nationals has vast implications for immigration relations between the two nations. As the situation unfolds, it will be important for both the U.S. and South Sudan to navigate the complexities of immigration, repatriation, and international diplomatic norms.

Maintaining open communication may be essential in resolving these pressing issues, rebuilding trust, and fostering better cooperation. While the immediate focus is on the visa situation, the broader impacts on regional stability and humanitarian concerns in South Sudan remain paramount.

Fox News Digital’s Adam Shaw contributed to this report.