In a revolutionary act, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has actively revoked visas for holders of South Sudanese passports, due to South Sudan’s refusal to repatriate citizens expelled from the US.
See the tweet below!
The former Biden administration’s leniency towards South Sudan has come to an abrupt halt, as the US has decided to revoke all visas for South Sudanese nationals.
With President Trump back in charge, America is no longer willing to tolerate nations that refuse to accept their own citizens.
The message is clear: abide by international norms or face strict immigration repercussions.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, underscoring Trump’s decisive immigration policies, announced the move, marking the first instance where all visas for a specific country’s citizens have been canceled.
Rubio emphasized, “is taking actions to revoke all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders and prevent further issuance to prevent entry,” cited by The Guardian.
The US’s decision arrives amid mounting political tensions within South Sudan, aggravating fears of a resurgent civil war.
The previous civil war, lasting from 2013 to 2018, led to approximately 400,000 deaths.
These fears are stoked by recent violence involving government troops and armed opposition, increasing international concern.
In the words of Rubio, “every country must accept the return of its citizens when requested by another country.”
This visa revocation, effective immediately, cancels all ongoing and future appointments for South Sudanese nationals attempting to enter the US.
Despite potential pressures, the US remains resolute in potentially reviewing these actions if South Sudan exhibits full cooperation.
Such diplomatic intricacies stem from unsuccessful efforts with South Sudan’s transitional government, which is currently trying to stave off a civil war.
South Sudan is currently under the protection of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which was set to expire on May 3, 2025.
South Sudanese nationals, along with 140 others eligible to apply, had been safeguarded by TPS to avoid deportation due to the volatile conditions in their homeland.
However, with the Trump administration overturning multiple TPS designations, the protection of over 600,000 Venezuelans faces similar scrutiny.
Recent tensions within South Sudan, accentuated by the house arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar, have further destabilized the region.
The US’s immigration position is clear: only nations that comply with international agreements on repatriation will maintain favorable immigration relations.
The decision to revoke visas stands as a testament to America’s unwavering commitment to stringent immigration enforcement.
The firm stance taken by the US comes amid a surge of African nationals seeking to bypass regulations via the southern border.
With global diplomatic efforts proving ineffective, the United States is determined to set a precedent in holding nations accountable.
As Secretary of State Rubio stated, “The US has revoked all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders amid rising political tensions in South Sudan, which have raised fears of a renewed civil war.”
The Trump administration has illustrated its readiness to determine America’s immigration future, a stance critical for our nation’s sovereignty and the protection of US interests.
I am taking actions to revoke all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders and to restrict any further issuance to prevent entry into the United States, effective immediately, due to the failure of South Sudan's transitional government to accept the return of its repatriated…
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) April 5, 2025
