U.S. Revokes Visas of South Sudanese Amid Deportation Dispute

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced the revocation of visas for all South Sudanese passport holders, citing the South Sudanese transitional government's failure to accept the timely return of deported citizens. This decision aligns with the administration's aggressive deportation policies and has drawn criticism from human rights advocates.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Saturday the revocation of visas for all holders of South Sudanese passports, criticizing the transitional government for its failure to accept deported citizens in a timely manner. Rubio highlighted this action on social media, expressing frustration over South Sudan’s lack of cooperation regarding repatriations. In a formal statement from the State Department, he indicated that the U.S. would reconsider this visa ban once full cooperation was established.

This move draws parallels to a previous threat issued by former President Trump in January, when Colombian officials were warned of visa revocations and tariffs due to their refusal to accept deportees on U.S. military flights. Colombia quickly reversed its stance in that instance.

Rubio’s decision reflects the Trump administration's ongoing commitment to expedite the removal of foreign nationals from the U.S., a promise made during Trump's campaign. The policy has sparked legal challenges, with some potential deportees filing lawsuits against the administration, leading to temporary restraining orders from judges.

Critics, including Lucas Guttentag, a former Justice Department official under President Biden, have condemned this sweeping action as discriminatory, arguing that it unjustly punishes innocent visa holders based on their nationality. Ruben's criticism highlights a call for more meaningful diplomatic engagement rather than blanket punitive measures.

As of late Saturday, officials from South Sudan had not yet responded to the announcement. The evolving situation raises questions about the impact of U.S. immigration policies on international relations and the lives of those affected by these visa revocations.