The United States has revoked visas for South Sudanese citizens, prompting concern from Chol Majok, a Syracuse councilor and refugee. The ban is attributed to South Sudan’s failure to accept deportees promptly. Majok critiques the overreaching impact of the ban on South Sudanese nationals in Syracuse, calling for more logical policies and expressing hope for a reversal of the decision.
A recent visa ban by the United States on South Sudanese citizens has provoked concerns from local leaders in Syracuse, a city with a significant South Sudanese population. Chol Majok, the first refugee elected to the Syracuse City Council, is particularly vocal about the implications of this policy as he campaigns for the mayorship. The announcement was made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stated that the visas would be revoked due to South Sudan’s failure to accept deportees promptly.
In response to the visa ban, South Sudanese officials announced their willingness to allow Congolese national Makula Kintuthe entry into their country to preserve amicable relations with the U.S. However, the U.S. cited the legality of Kintuthe’s deportation, asserting he had used travel documents that belonged to a South Sudanese national. Amidst these diplomatic tensions, Majok expressed his awareness of the U.S. government’s need to safeguard its borders, yet he criticized the policy’s impact on individuals who are not South Sudanese nationals.
Majok highlighted that the visa policy threatens South Sudanese nationals in Syracuse who pursue higher education and excel in academics and athletics. He articulated his concern, stating, “It’s troubling to us as some of the people that are South Sudanese nationals here on scholarships who are going to universities, are top athletes, who are doing well for our country, doing well for our schools, are getting impacted.” He views the ban as excessive, leading to uncertainty for many families awaiting reunification.
Majok further criticized the “umbrella approach” to the ban, indicating it presents numerous challenges for citizens of South Sudan. He reported receiving numerous inquiries from residents who are anxious about their relatives and their own circumstances. Declaring the decision as unacceptable, he argued, “To recall the visas is not who we are as Americans, especially in this situation.”
Additionally, Majok remarked on the need for enhanced resources to support refugees in Syracuse, despite the city’s existing robust network of services. He expressed hope that the federal government would reconsider their stance, emphasizing the necessity for logical policies regarding visa issuance.
In response to the ban, South Sudanese officials labeled the U.S. policy as unjust, asserting their commitment to cooperation in all other deportation cases. The U.S. government has indicated potential reassessment of the ban contingent upon South Sudan’s full cooperation.
In conclusion, the recent visa ban imposed by the U.S. on South Sudanese citizens has resulted in significant apprehension within the Syracuse community, particularly among those like Chol Majok, who represent refugees and their struggles. The implications of this policy extend beyond administrative decisions, affecting individuals’ lives and familial ties. Calls for a balanced approach highlight the need for a reconsideration of the policies that directly impact innocent people’s futures, underscoring the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations while ensuring community welfare.
Original Source: spectrumlocalnews.com
