Recent tensions arise as South Sudan refuses to accept its removed citizens, contributing to a broader discussion about immigration policies and international responsibilities.
US Revokes Visas for South Sudanese Amid Deportation Row
US Revokes Visas for South Sudanese Amid Deportation Row
In a significant diplomatic move, the US announces visa cancellations for South Sudanese citizens over issues related to deportations.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that the United States is revoking visas for all South Sudanese passport holders, citing the government's refusal to accept repatriated citizens. This decision was announced on Saturday, alongside a suspension of entry for South Sudanese nationals at US ports. Rubio attributed the move to the South Sudanese transitional government's delays in facilitating the return of its citizens.
This action aligns with President Donald Trump's aggressive immigration strategy which prioritizes the deportation of unauthorized immigrants. Rubio emphasized the importance of countries complying with international norms by accepting the return of their citizens promptly, stating, "Every country must accept the return of its citizens in a timely manner when another country, including the United States, seeks to remove them."
The announcement concerning visas comes amid escalating fears that South Sudan might descend into further civil conflict. Just weeks ago, the US ordered the evacuation of all non-emergency personnel from its embassy in South Sudan due to regional violence, signaling a deterioration in the precarious peace established by a 2018 power-sharing agreement. This agreement sought to quell fighting that had resulted in over 400,000 deaths since the onset of civil war in 2013, triggered by discord between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar.
Additionally, South Sudanese nationals had benefited from Temporary Protected Status (TPS), allowing them to remain in the US, which was set to expire on May 3. Despite its independence in 2011, the nation has struggled with ongoing violence, hampered by unfulfilled provisions in political agreements.
The implications of these visa cancellations could ripple through diplomatic relations, as they echo similar tensions experienced by the Trump administration with other nations regarding the deportation of their nationals. For instance, Colombian President Gustavo Petro resisted US deportation flights earlier this year, receiving threats of tariffs from Trump before ultimately conceding.
This move by the US underscores the complexities surrounding immigration policy, international cooperation, and the dire situation faced by many Sudanese immigrants caught in this geopolitical conflict.
