The United States has revoked all visas issued to South Sudanese passport holders, citing the African nation’s refusal to accept its repatriated citizens.
This came at a time when many in Africa fear that country could return to civil war.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision on April 5, adding that South Sudanese citizens would also be barred from entering the US at ports of entry.
According to BBC, Rubio criticised South Sudan’s transitional government for failing to cooperate with repatriation efforts, stating:
“Every country must accept the return of its citizens in a timely manner when another country, including the United States, seeks to remove them.”
Trump administration’s immigration policy in action
The visa revocation aligns with President Donald Trump’s immigration policy, which prioritises the removal of unlawful migrants and promises “mass deportations.”
South Sudanese nationals in the US had previously been granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS), allowing them to remain temporarily due to unsafe conditions in their home country.
However, TPS for South Sudanese was set to expire on May 3, further complicating their status.
Concerns over South Sudan’s stability
The decision comes amid growing fears that South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, may descend into civil war.
The country gained independence in 2011 but plunged into conflict two years later, resulting in over 400,000 deaths. A 2018 peace agreement halted the fighting, but key provisions, including a new constitution and unified armed forces, remain unfulfilled.
Recent violence and political tensions have further destabilised the fragile peace, with the US recently evacuating non-emergency staff from South Sudan.
