The United States has cancelled all visas issued to South Sudanese passport holders. This move comes after South Sudan refused to take back its deported citizens. The ban takes effect immediately.
Trump Administration Cracks Down on Deportation Delays
President Donald Trump‘s administration has taken strict action on immigration. It has focused on sending back people living in the U.S. without permission. Washington has warned that countries refusing to accept deportees will face penalties like visa bans or tariffs.
Rubio Accuses South Sudan of Non-Cooperation
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained the reason behind the decision. He said South Sudan had failed to follow the rule that every country must accept its citizens when deported by another nation.
“Effective immediately, the United States Department of State is taking actions to revoke all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders and prevent further issuance to prevent entry into the United States by South Sudanese passport holders,” Rubio said.
He made it clear the U.S. may lift the ban if South Sudan cooperates. “We will be prepared to review these actions when South Sudan is in full cooperation,” he added. Rubio also criticized the South Sudanese leadership. “It is time for South Sudan’s transitional government to stop taking advantage of the United States,” he said. The South Sudanese embassy in Washington has not responded yet.
South Sudan Faces Rising Tensions at Home
At the same time, South Sudan is dealing with political unrest. African Union mediators arrived in the capital, Juba, this week. They are trying to prevent a new civil war.
Last week, the government placed First Vice President Riek Machar under house arrest. President Salva Kiir’s administration has accused Machar of planning a new rebellion. Machar led rebel forces during the civil war from 2013 to 2018. That war killed hundreds of thousands of people.
Fresh Clashes Raise Fears of War
Fighting has recently broken out in the northern Upper Nile state. Government troops have clashed with the White Army militia. This group fought alongside Machar’s forces during the civil war. However, Machar’s side now denies any link to them.
The last civil war was largely based on ethnic conflict. Kiir belongs to the Dinka group, South Sudan’s largest. Machar is from the Nuer group, the second largest.
