US Suspends Visas for South Sudanese Amidst Deportation Crisis

The US has revoked visas for all South Sudanese passport holders, citing the country's failure to accept repatriated citizens, amidst concerns of rising violence in South Sudan.

In a significant diplomatic move, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the United States is immediately canceling visas issued to South Sudanese passport holders. This decision comes in response to the South Sudanese government’s persistent refusal to accept its citizens who are being deported from the US. Rubio stated on Saturday that arrivals of South Sudanese nationals would also be blocked at US ports of entry as a consequence of this ongoing dispute.

Rubio criticized the transitional government of South Sudan for failing to facilitate the timely return of its own citizens, declaring, “It is time for the Transitional Government of South Sudan to stop taking advantage of the United States.” This action aligns with President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policy focused on mass deportation efforts.

The backdrop of this visa cancellation is heightened concern that South Sudan may once again plunge into civil conflict. The US previously ordered the evacuation of non-emergency staff from South Sudan in early March due to escalating regional violence that threatens to unravel a fragile peace pact established in 2018.

Since achieving independence in 2011, South Sudan has faced tumultuous governance issues, notably a civil war ignited by rifts between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar, resulting in a staggering death toll of over 400,000. While a power-sharing deal in 2018 offered a glimmer of hope for peace, central components of this agreement—including the establishment of a new constitution, elections, and the integration of armed factions—remain unfulfilled, leading to ongoing ethnic clashes.

Amidst this turmoil, the US has had contentious interactions with nations regarding deportations. In January, Colombian President Gustavo Petro initially halted US military flights from landing in Colombia carrying deportees, only to reverse his stance after US threats of tariffs and sanctions.