The U.S. has revoked every South Sudanese visa, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio declaring the country has “taken advantage of the United States” by refusing to accept deported citizens.
AT A GLANCE
- The U.S. has canceled all visas for South Sudanese nationals amid diplomatic tensions
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited South Sudan’s refusal to repatriate its deported citizens
- This marks the first major visa sanction since Trump returned to office
- TPS (Temporary Protected Status) for South Sudan is set to expire on May 3, 2025
- South Sudan remains politically unstable, raising concerns of renewed civil war
America First Immigration Policy Returns
In a sharp departure from recent precedent, the U.S. government has taken sweeping action against South Sudan, cancelling all existing visas for its citizens. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision, citing South Sudan’s ongoing refusal to cooperate with deportation efforts by failing to accept its repatriated nationals.
According to The Guardian, the move is a pointed response and represents the Trump administration’s first major visa sanction since returning to power. “South Sudan is taking advantage of the United States,” Rubio said, describing the decision as a necessary assertion of U.S. sovereignty.
The announcement coincides with the upcoming expiration of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for South Sudanese nationals on May 3, a program that had shielded roughly 133 individuals from deportation under the Biden administration.
No More Free Passes for Uncooperative Nations
Rubio was blunt in his assessment, stating that South Sudan’s persistent non-cooperation amounted to diplomatic disrespect. “We will be prepared to review these actions when South Sudan is in full cooperation,” he added, indicating the door isn’t permanently closed, but the message is unmistakable: there are now consequences for ignoring U.S. immigration enforcement.
This action also mirrors a broader policy shift under the Trump administration, which has sought to roll back expansive immigration programs like TPS. Under Biden, more than 1.2 million people were protected or made eligible through TPS designations. The new administration has taken a dramatically different route, including recent attempts to revoke TPS status for over 600,000 Venezuelans—a move currently tied up in court.
Watch coverage of the visa revocation on YouTube.
Tensions Escalate as Civil Unrest Looms in South Sudan
South Sudan is currently facing significant internal strife. Political instability and a resurgence of violence have prompted fears of another civil war. Vice President Riek Machar is reportedly under house arrest, and the government is locked in conflict with militia groups, as Al Jazeera reported.
While the humanitarian concerns are valid, the Trump administration argues that America cannot bear the burden of global instability alone. Officials insist that while the U.S. remains open to reconsidering sanctions, foreign governments must demonstrate a commitment to international norms—including accepting the return of their own citizens.
Restoring Accountability to U.S. Immigration
For supporters of stricter immigration policy, the visa revocation is long overdue. It highlights a renewed emphasis on reciprocal diplomacy: if foreign nations want the benefits of access to the U.S., they must respect its laws and decisions.
Rubio’s firm stance reflects a broader frustration among immigration hawks who say previous administrations allowed systemic abuse of American generosity. This latest move signals that the era of lax enforcement is over. Whether South Sudan complies or not, the precedent is clear—under this administration, immigration enforcement is no longer optional.
