In a sweeping policy move, the United States has revoked existing visas for South Sudanese nationals and blocked the issuance of new ones, marking the first broad visa crackdown since President Donald Trump returned to office earlier this year.
The decision was announced by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who accused the South Sudanese government of failing to cooperate with Washington and “taking advantage” of American immigration and aid policies. Rubio emphasized that every country must accept the return of its citizens promptly and warned that the restrictions would remain in place until South Sudan fully complies with U.S. repatriation protocols.
“The United States cannot be expected to shoulder the burden of hosting foreign nationals whose home governments refuse to take responsibility,” Rubio said, signaling a hardline shift in immigration enforcement under the new administration.
The visa suspension is part of a broader recalibration of U.S. immigration policy as the Trump administration moves to roll back Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations. TPS is a humanitarian program that shields foreign nationals from deportation when their home countries are deemed unsafe due to conflict, natural disaster, or other extraordinary conditions.
Currently, around 133 South Sudanese nationals benefit from TPS protections in the U.S., with another estimated 140 individuals potentially eligible. However, the program for South Sudan is set to expire in May 2025, and administration officials have made it clear that it may not be renewed.
In addition to the visa revocations, the U.S. is tightening immigration scrutiny in response to rising numbers of African migrants, including South Sudanese, attempting to cross into the country via the southern border. Officials say the new measures aim to reduce irregular migration and restore “order and accountability” to the immigration system.
The U.S. government has indicated it may revisit the restrictions if the South Sudanese authorities demonstrate full cooperation in facilitating the repatriation of their nationals and comply with broader diplomatic expectations.
The move has drawn concern from human rights groups, who warn that many South Sudanese nationals could face grave risks if deported amid ongoing instability and sporadic violence in the country.
