Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasizes the need for timely acceptance of repatriated individuals.
US Suspends Visas for South Sudanese Amid Deportation Issues
US Suspends Visas for South Sudanese Amid Deportation Issues
The US government halts visas for South Sudanese citizens over the African nation's refusal to repatriate deported migrants.
Given the increasing tensions in South Sudan and the ongoing civil unrest, the US administration has taken swift measures against South Sudanese passport holders. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that, due to South Sudan's unwillingness to accept the return of its citizens who have been deported from the United States, all visas issued to South Sudanese will be immediately revoked. This action will also extend to barring any new South Sudanese arrivals at US borders.
Rubio attributed this decision to the lack of cooperation from South Sudan's transitional government, accusing them of exploiting the United States. Through this move, the US is reinforcing President Donald Trump's immigration strategy, focused on swift deportations and enforcement of immigration laws. “Every country must accept the return of its citizens in a timely manner,” said Rubio, pushing for South Sudan to align with this principle.
Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has been plagued by conflict, which erupted into civil war shortly thereafter. Although a peace agreement was reached in 2018, its implementation has been stymied by ongoing tensions and violence among various factions within the country. The precarious situation has prompted the US to order the withdrawal of non-emergency personnel from its embassy in South Sudan, as regional disputes escalate.
Historically, South Sudanese in the US were granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS), allowing them safe harbor due to the instability in their home country. However, TPS protections are set to expire imminently, and the current political climate only heightens fears for those awaiting their fate in America. As the Trump administration continues to engage in disputes regarding deportations with other countries, recent actions signal a determination to take a hard line on immigration policy moving forward.
Rubio attributed this decision to the lack of cooperation from South Sudan's transitional government, accusing them of exploiting the United States. Through this move, the US is reinforcing President Donald Trump's immigration strategy, focused on swift deportations and enforcement of immigration laws. “Every country must accept the return of its citizens in a timely manner,” said Rubio, pushing for South Sudan to align with this principle.
Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has been plagued by conflict, which erupted into civil war shortly thereafter. Although a peace agreement was reached in 2018, its implementation has been stymied by ongoing tensions and violence among various factions within the country. The precarious situation has prompted the US to order the withdrawal of non-emergency personnel from its embassy in South Sudan, as regional disputes escalate.
Historically, South Sudanese in the US were granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS), allowing them safe harbor due to the instability in their home country. However, TPS protections are set to expire imminently, and the current political climate only heightens fears for those awaiting their fate in America. As the Trump administration continues to engage in disputes regarding deportations with other countries, recent actions signal a determination to take a hard line on immigration policy moving forward.
