The U.S. revoked all visas for South Sudanese citizens due to the government’s failure to accept deportees. Secretary of State Rubio emphasized national security, stating every country must timely accept citizens. The U.S. Embassy in Khartoum has suspended operations amid ongoing strife in South Sudan. This decision aligns with a broader crackdown on immigration policies implemented by the Trump administration.
The U.S. has rescinded visas for South Sudanese passport holders, prohibiting further issuances until the transitional government accepts repatriated citizens. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated this decision results from South Sudan’s government failing to timely accept its citizens. The Department of State emphasized that every country must facilitate the return of its citizens when requested by another nation.
The statement pointed out that it is critical for national security and public safety to enforce U.S. immigration laws. The Department mentioned that it would reconsider this visa revocation once South Sudan fully collaborates. Current conditions in South Sudan are dire, with potential civil war, armed conflict, mass displacements, and severe food shortages reported.
On April 22, 2023, the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum ceased operations, including visa and passport services. This visa revocation correlates with the previous action by the Trump administration, which ended deportation protections for numerous Venezuelans earlier this year, alongside a crackdown on illegal immigration.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the withdrawal of Temporary Protected Status for over 300,000 Venezuelans. Reports indicate that since the Trump administration assumed office, over 100,000 illegal migrants have been deported. The South Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to media requests for comments.
The U.S. is enforcing a ban on visas for South Sudan passport holders due to the South Sudan government’s failure to accept the return of its citizens. This action underscores the importance of cooperation between nations regarding immigration. Conditions in South Sudan remain precarious, impacting not only its citizens but also U.S. immigration policies. Future cooperation from South Sudan may lead to a review of this ban.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com