The United States has announced the immediate revocation of visas for all South Sudanese passport holders in response to the country’s refusal to accept the deportation of its citizens.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticised South Sudan’s transitional government for failing to promptly accept the repatriation of citizens who have been removed from the US.
Rubio also stated that South Sudanese citizens would be barred from entering the US. This move follows an ongoing immigration policy by President Donald Trump aimed at mass deportations.
The decision comes amidst growing concerns over the stability of South Sudan, where tensions have been rising since a 2018 peace deal ended years of civil war.
Additionally, many South Sudanese in the US are currently under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which was due to expire by 3 May.
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 but plunged into a brutal civil war soon after, leading to the deaths of over 400,000 people. Despite a peace agreement, violence has continued in parts of the country.
In a related context, South Sudanese deportations have become part of broader clashes between the Trump administration and international governments over repatriation agreements, such as a recent dispute with Colombia.
