U.S. Cancels All Visas for South Sudanese Citizens and Halts Issuance of New Visas - Secretary of State Marco Rubio
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Saturday that all visas for South Sudanese citizens would be canceled, and no new visas would be issued in the future. This measure will take effect immediately.
In his statement, Rubio explained that the decision was made due to the South Sudanese transitional government’s failure to accept its citizens who had been returned to their country in a timely manner. According to the U.S. State Department, the move is aimed at "forcing South Sudan to accept its citizens in a timely manner" and emphasizes the importance of enforcing U.S. immigration laws.
The State Department's statement said, "Every country must accept its citizens in a timely manner when any country, especially the United States, attempts to return its citizens." The U.S. added, "These actions will not be reviewed until South Sudan provides full cooperation."
South Sudan is currently on the brink of civil war, with escalating armed conflicts, widespread displacement, and food shortages in the country. Amid this situation, on April 22, 2023, the U.S. embassy in Sudan temporarily suspended its visa and other consular services.
This move comes at a time when the Trump administration decided in February to deport hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants from Venezuela.
