The Trump administration has revoked all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders and will block new entries into the United States.
This decision comes after South Sudan’s transitional government failed to accept the repatriation of its citizens, prompting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to express frustration.
“South Sudan didn’t comply with the principle that every country must promptly accept the return of its citizens when requested by another nation, including the US,” Rubio stated.
“Effective immediately, the United States Department of State is taking actions to revoke all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders and prevent further issuance to prevent entry into the United States by South Sudanese passport holders.”
The move is part of the Trump administration’s efforts to increase immigration enforcement, including the repatriation of individuals in the US illegally. Countries that fail to take back their citizens will face consequences, such as tariffs or visa sanctions.
“We will be prepared to review these actions when South Sudan is in full cooperation,” Rubio added. This decision comes amid concerns about the potential return to civil war in South Sudan, where tensions between President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar have escalated.
The US has been critical of South Sudan’s handling of its citizens abroad, and this move signals a significant shift in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The Trump administration’s stance on immigration has been firm, with Rubio emphasizing that countries must take responsibility for their citizens ¹.