The U.S. is revoking all visas for South Sudanese nationals, citing the nation’s failure to accept returning expelled citizens. Secretary Rubio’s action is unprecedented since January 2021 and addresses ongoing tensions with South Sudan’s government. The implications affect approximately 133 South Sudanese under Temporary Protected Status, amidst broader immigration policy shifts under the Trump administration.
The United States government, under the direction of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is revoking all visas for individuals holding South Sudanese passports and will additionally block new arrivals from the nation. This decision arises from concerns regarding South Sudan’s failure to accept its nationals who have been expelled from the United States.
Rubio emphasized that the State Department is implementing actions to prevent the entry of South Sudanese nationals by revoking existing visas. This move marks the first instance of a comprehensive visa revocation for citizens of a specific country since the Trump administration resumed office in January 2021, during a period marked by a strong anti-immigration stance.
Rubio criticized the transitional government in Juba, accusing it of exploiting the United States, stating, “every country must accept the return of its citizens in a timely manner when another country… seeks to remove them.” He further noted that the U.S. stands ready to reconsider these measures once South Sudan demonstrates full cooperation in this regard.
Amid ongoing political strife, South Sudan, the newest and one of the poorest countries, faces internal tensions. Concerns are mounting regarding the potential resurgence of civil conflict, which previously claimed approximately 400,000 lives between 2013 and 2018.
Under the previous administration of Joe Biden, South Sudanese nationals had been granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS), with this designation set to expire on May 3, 2025. TPS is designed to protect foreigners from deportation, particularly those unable to return safely due to war or natural disasters. The Department of Homeland Security reported that there were around 133 South Sudanese under the TPS program, with an additional 140 eligible for application as of September 2023.
In context, the Trump administration has begun revoking TPS designations for various groups, having removed protections for over 600,000 Venezuelans earlier this year. A federal judge recently placed a hold on this decision, citing concerns about the portrayal of Venezuelans in the U.S. as predominantly criminals. Reports from the Pew Research Center indicate that as of March 2024, approximately 1.2 million individuals in the U.S. are eligible for or currently receiving TPS, with Venezuelans representing the largest nationality within this group. The Trump administration’s focus on South Sudan occurs against a backdrop of increasing numbers of African migrants attempting to cross the U.S. southern border.
In summary, the U.S. government’s decision to revoke all visas for South Sudanese reflects a significant diplomatic stance aimed at urging South Sudan to accept the return of its expelled nationals. This unprecedented measure, taken by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlights the complex interplay of immigration policy and international relations, particularly as South Sudan grapples with internal political challenges. The ramifications of these actions are yet to unfold, particularly concerning the impacted individuals and their status in the United States.
Original Source: www.pasconewsonline.com
