US Revokes Visas for South Sudanese Amid Deportation Dispute

In a significant move, the US government has revoked visas for all South Sudanese passport holders, citing the African country's non-compliance in repatriating its citizens. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need for timely acceptance of deported individuals, linking the decision to broader immigration policies and ongoing civil unrest in South Sudan.

The US government has taken a firm stance by immediately revoking visas issued to all South Sudanese passport holders, a decision announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This action stems from South Sudan's refusal to accept citizens who have been deported from the United States. In a statement on Saturday, Rubio asserted that the US will also prevent any arrivals of South Sudanese individuals at its ports of entry, criticizing the transitional government for its failure to ensure the timely return of its nationals.

Rubio's remarks reflect a cornerstone of the Trump administration's immigration policy, which prioritizes the removal of unlawful migrants. "It is time for the Transitional Government of South Sudan to stop taking advantage of the United States," he stated, insisting that every country should accept its citizens promptly when deportation is necessary.

This move comes amid escalating fears that South Sudan may descend into ongoing civil conflict. On March 8, the US ordered the evacuation of non-emergency personnel in South Sudan as regional fighting intensified, threatening the fragile peace agreement established in 2018.

Previously, South Sudanese individuals residing in the US were afforded Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which was set to expire on May 3. South Sudan, having gained independence from Sudan in 2011, has struggled with internal strife since a civil war erupted two years later. A power-sharing agreement in 2018 briefly halted the violence, yet critical aspects of the deal, including a new constitution and elections, remain unfulfilled, resulting in ongoing struggles and intermittent violence.

As the Trump administration continues to face resistance from various international governments regarding deportations, the current situation underscores the complex dynamics at play between the US and South Sudan, as well as the persistent instability affecting the African nation.