U.S. Revokes Visas for South Sudanese Citizens
The U.S. Department of State has announced an immediate suspension of visas for all citizens of South Sudan, citing the country’s failure to cooperate with deportation requests. The move comes amid a diplomatic standoff involving a disputed repatriation case.
The State Department emphasized that all countries are required to accept the return of their nationals when deported by another country. Officials say South Sudan has not fulfilled this obligation, prompting the sweeping action.
Entry Ban Imposed Until Cooperation Restored
Under the new restrictions:
- All existing South Sudanese visas are revoked
- No new visas will be issued
- All scheduled visa appointments are canceled
In a public statement, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau confirmed that no South Sudanese nationals will be allowed entry into the U.S. until the issue is resolved. Secretary of State Marco Rubio added that the policy will be reviewed once full cooperation is restored.
Temporary Protected Status and Legal Impact
Approximately 133 South Sudanese nationals currently reside in the United States under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which allows them to live and work legally due to unsafe conditions in their home country. TPS for South Sudan was last extended in September, but is set to expire next month.
The announcement adds to a broader shift in immigration policy, as the current administration reviews TPS designations for other countries, including Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
Background: Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis in South Sudan
South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, has experienced ongoing instability. A civil war that began in 2013 between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar resulted in over 400,000 deaths.
Although a peace agreement brokered in 2018 helped form a unity government, recent developments—including Machar’s house arrest and the removal of key allies—have raised concerns that the fragile peace may be collapsing.
In recent months:
- Oil exports were disrupted by conflict in neighboring Sudan, cutting off a key revenue source
- 600,000 refugees have entered South Sudan, further straining its limited infrastructure
- Public sector workers have reportedly gone unpaid for nearly a year
Observers, including former UN official Mukesh Kapila, warn that renewed conflict is likely unless deeper political divisions are addressed.
