USA revokes all visas for South Sudan over deportation row
All visas for South Sudanese passport holders have been revoked by the USA. This decision arises from South Sudanese authorities' refusal to accept deported citizens.
What do you need to know?
- Why did the USA revoke the visas? The revocation of visas for citizens of South Sudan stems from the country's refusal to accept its deported citizens.
- When did the decision take effect? U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the decision is immediate.
- What are the USA's next steps? The U.S. government is willing to review the decision if South Sudan demonstrates full cooperation.
What are the consequences for South Sudan?
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that all visas issued to South Sudanese passport holders have been revoked. This action has been taken in response to South Sudan's refusal to accept its deported citizens. Rubio emphasized that South Sudan is disregarding the obligation every country has to accept the return of its citizens when another country seeks to deport them.
Will the USA change its decision?
A statement released by the U.S. Department of State clarified that the revocation of visas is intended to prevent South Sudanese passport holders from entering the United States. Rubio noted that the U.S. government is prepared to reassess this decision if South Sudan fully cooperates. " It is time for the Transitional Government of South Sudan to stop taking advantage of the United States," he added.
This U.S. decision comes at a time when South Sudan faces the threat of a renewed civil war. The Trump administration is taking assertive actions on immigration, including deporting individuals residing in the U.S. illegally. This marks the first time such measures have been applied to all citizens of a specific country.
