Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the U.S. will immediately revoke visas held by South Sudanese passport holders, and no new visas will be issued.
Rubio explained that this decision was due to the South Sudanese transitional government’s failure to accept the return of its repatriated citizens in a timely manner.
The U.S. Department of State issued a statement emphasizing that it is time for South Sudan’s government to stop taking advantage of the U.S. system. The statement further stressed that enforcing U.S. immigration laws is crucial to the nation’s security and public safety. It highlighted the responsibility of every country to promptly accept the return of its citizens when requested by another nation, including the United States.
The Department of State also mentioned it would reconsider the actions once South Sudan fully cooperates.
South Sudan, currently on the brink of civil war, is facing escalating violence, widespread displacement, and severe food insecurity.
In addition, the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum, Sudan, suspended its operations on April 22, 2023, including visa and passport services, in response to ongoing instability.
This announcement follows a move by the previous administration in February to end temporary protection status for Venezuelans in the U.S., a decision that would affect over 300,000 nationals. The Department of Homeland Security also reported that over 100,000 deportations had occurred since the previous administration took office.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for South Sudan did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The United Nations also declined to comment.
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