The United States has announced a significant change regarding South Sudanese passport holders, revoking all their visas. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made this announcement, stating that the decision is effective immediately. The U.S. government is taking this step due to South Sudan’s failure to accept the return of its citizens who are being repatriated in a timely manner.
Rubio expressed frustration, accusing South Sudan of taking advantage of the United States. He emphasized that the U.S. will reconsider its actions once South Sudan cooperates fully with repatriation efforts. This move comes as part of a broader trend under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has intensified immigration enforcement and warned countries about the consequences of not promptly accepting their citizens back.
In addition to revoking existing visas, the U.S. plans to prevent any further issuance of visas to South Sudanese passport holders. This means that no new visas will be granted, effectively barring these individuals from entering the United States.
The situation in South Sudan is particularly complex. The country gained independence from Sudan in 2011 but has been plagued by ongoing conflict and instability. The political landscape remains fragile, with recent violence between government forces and armed opposition groups heightening tensions. The recent arrest of opposition leader Riek Machar has raised alarms about the potential for renewed civil war, drawing warnings from the United Nations.
As the U.S. takes this firm stance, South Sudan’s embassy in Washington has not yet responded to requests for comment. The international community is watching closely, as regional leaders and mediators work to address the escalating crisis in South Sudan.