Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Saturday the revocation of visas for all South Sudan passport holders, citing the transitional government's failure to accept deported citizens in a timely manner during the Trump administration.
In a social media post, Rubio indicated that he would also restrict further visa issuance to South Sudanese individuals, attributing the actions to the government's lack of cooperation regarding repatriations. He stated, “we will be prepared to review these actions when South Sudan is in full cooperation.”
This decision mirrors a similar action taken by President Trump in late January, when he threatened to revoke Colombian officials' visas due to their refusal to accept U.S. military flights carrying deportees. Colombia subsequently reversed its decision.
Rubio's sweeping visa revocation reflects the Trump administration's ongoing focus on expediting the deportation of foreign nationals, a commitment made by Trump during his campaign. Some potential deportees have filed lawsuits against the administration, resulting in temporary restraining orders from several judges.
South Sudan’s ambassador to Britain, Nickson Deng, stated that his government had not yet received official communication from the U.S. regarding the visa revocation and refrained from further comment.
Concerns are rising that South Sudan may be on the verge of civil war, which could worsen conditions for over 11 million people in the country. The United Nations reports that recent political and ethnic tensions have led to violence and the displacement of tens of thousands since February.
Lucas Guttentag, a former Justice Department official, criticized the move as discriminatory, arguing it punishes innocent visa holders while undermining diplomatic efforts.
The Trump administration has been conducting a mass deportation campaign, with Rubio asserting his authority to revoke visas for potential deportees in detention centers, claiming they undermine American foreign policy.
Rubio noted on March 27 that he had revoked around 300 visas and was actively signing deportation papers. Among those affected was Óscar Arias Sánchez, the former president of Costa Rica and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, who reported his visa suspension after criticizing Trump on social media.
The U.S. has historically faced challenges with countries accepting deportees, often due to diplomatic issues or difficulties in obtaining travel documents. During Trump's first term, visa sanctions were imposed on several nations deemed uncooperative.
In 2023, the Biden administration provided Temporary Protected Status to South Sudan migrants, allowing them protection from deportation due to ongoing violence in the country. This status is set to last until May.