Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revoked all visas for South Sudanese passport holders due to the country’s refusal to accept its citizens deported from the United States, marking the first major visa action since Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
At a Glance
- All existing and new South Sudanese visas have been canceled with immediate effect
- The decision comes after South Sudan failed to cooperate with US deportation procedures
- Approximately 133 South Sudanese were in the US under Temporary Protected Status, with 140 more eligible
- The visa ban occurs amid rising political instability in South Sudan, with fears of renewed civil war
- Secretary Rubio stated the US will review these actions when South Sudan demonstrates “full cooperation”
Trump Administration Takes Strong Action on Immigration Compliance
The US State Department announced Sunday that all existing visas for South Sudanese citizens have been revoked and new applications suspended. The dramatic measure comes in direct response to South Sudan’s government refusing to accept its nationals ordered deported from American soil. This represents the first country-specific visa ban implemented since President Trump returned to office, signaling a renewed focus on immigration enforcement and national sovereignty.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered the announcement with clear language about the administration’s expectations. The decision affects all categories of visas regardless of status or purpose of travel, effectively blocking entry for any South Sudanese citizen who seeks to visit, work, or study in the United States. Officials confirmed that diplomatic efforts to resolve the repatriation issues had stalled, prompting the stronger measures to ensure compliance with international obligations.
Temporary Protected Status Set to Expire
The visa revocation comes as South Sudanese nationals’ Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation, granted by the previous Biden administration, approaches its May 3, 2025 expiration date. TPS shields foreign citizens from deportation when extraordinary conditions in their home countries make safe return impossible. Under this protection, approximately 133 South Sudanese currently reside in the United States, with another 140 eligible to apply for the status before the deadline.
“The government is taking actions to revoke all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders and prevent further issuance to prevent entry,” says Marco Rubio.
The decision aligns with the Trump administration’s broader reconsideration of TPS designations. Recently, the government moved to revoke protected status for over 600,000 Venezuelans, though that decision was temporarily blocked by a federal judge who questioned the government’s statements regarding Venezuelan nationals in the US. As of March 2024, approximately 1.2 million people were eligible for or receiving TPS protection across all designated countries.
South Sudan’s Growing Political Crisis
The visa sanctions occur against a backdrop of deteriorating conditions in South Sudan, where political instability threatens to reignite civil war. Recent clashes between government forces and opposition groups have escalated tensions, particularly after the reported house arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar following fighting between the military and the White Army militia in the troubled Upper Nile region. The previous South Sudanese civil war claimed an estimated 400,000 lives between 2013 and 2018.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for international intervention to prevent further conflict, as the transitional government struggles to maintain stability. These developments complicate diplomatic relations between Washington and Juba at a time when cooperation on immigration matters is already strained. Officials have suggested that South Sudan’s internal turmoil may be contributing to its reluctance to accept returned citizens, creating a challenging diplomatic impasse.
Possibility for Diplomatic Resolution
Despite the severity of the visa sanctions, Secretary Rubio emphasized that the restrictions could be lifted if South Sudan changes course. “The United States will be prepared to review these actions when South Sudan is in full cooperation,” he stated in the official announcement. This approach leaves room for diplomatic engagement while maintaining a firm stance on immigration enforcement, a cornerstone of the current administration’s policy agenda.
Immigration experts note that the visa revocation represents a powerful diplomatic tool, applying significant pressure on the South Sudanese government. The State Department confirmed all visa appointments for South Sudanese nationals have been canceled, and no new or existing visas will be processed or honored. The action comes as the administration reports increasing numbers of African migrants attempting to enter the US through the southern border, highlighting broader regional migration challenges.
