posted 6th April 2025
US Secretary Rubio Revokes Visas for South Sudanese Nationals
Washington, 6 April 2025 – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced a sweeping decision to revoke all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders and halt the issuance of new ones, effective immediately. The move comes as a direct response to what Rubio describes as the South Sudanese transitional government’s failure to accept the timely repatriation of its citizens.
In a statement posted on X, Secretary Rubio said, “I am taking actions to revoke all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders and to restrict any further issuance to prevent entry into the United States.” He cited the ongoing delays by South Sudan’s authorities in facilitating the return of deportees as the primary reason for the policy shift.
The decision marks a significant escalation in US immigration policy towards the East African nation, which has been grappling with political instability and a fragile peace process since gaining independence in 2011. South Sudan’s transitional government, formed in 2020, has faced criticism for its slow progress on key reforms, including the management of repatriation agreements with foreign governments.
Rubio’s announcement has sparked immediate debate, with some US officials and analysts warning of potential diplomatic fallout. South Sudanese communities in the United States, many of whom fled years of civil war, may also face uncertainty as a result of the visa restrictions.
The US State Department has yet to release further details on how the policy will be implemented or how many individuals might be affected. However, the move underscores a broader push by the current administration to tighten immigration controls in response to international cooperation challenges.
