The U.S. has revoked all visas for South Sudanese citizens and will not issue new ones until the South Sudanese government accepts repatriation of its nationals. This action follows concerns over the Transitional Government’s delays in accepting its citizens and underscores ongoing immigration enforcement. The U.S. Embassy in Khartoum has also suspended operations amid escalating conflict in the region.
On Saturday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the revocation of all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders in the United States. This action prohibits the future issuance of visas and is effective immediately. Rubio cited the failure of South Sudan’s transitional government to accept timely repatriation of its citizens as the reason for this decision, as stated in a message on X.
The U.S. Department of State commented that it is crucial for the Transitional Government of South Sudan to cease “taking advantage” of American policies. The statement emphasized the importance of enforcing U.S. immigration laws, linking this to national security and public safety. The department expects cooperation from South Sudan regarding the return of its nationals who are subject to deportation.
The situation in South Sudan is critical, with escalating civil conflict, massive displacement, and severe food shortages. As of April 22, 2023, the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum suspended all operations, including visa and passport services, due to safety concerns in the region.
This visa revocation parallels actions taken by the Trump administration, which ended deportation protections for a large number of Venezuelans earlier this year. According to the Department of Homeland Security, over 300,000 Venezuelan nationals protected under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are at risk of status revocation, highlighting ongoing immigration enforcement efforts under the current administration.
Requests for comments from both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in South Sudan and the United Nations South Sudan went unanswered. Fox News Digital contributed to the report through Adam Shaw.
The United States has taken decisive action against South Sudanese visa holders due to the South Sudanese government’s non-cooperation in repatriating its citizens. The implications of this revocation raise concerns about the ongoing civil strife in South Sudan. Additionally, this decision aligns with broader immigration enforcement trends under the Trump administration, which is tightening policies regarding foreign nationals in the United States. As these developments unfold, the need for governmental cooperation remains paramount to address immigration issues effectively.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
