U.S. Revokes All South Sudanese Visas After Country’s Noncompliance to Repatriate Deported Citizens

The United States Government has cancelled all visas held by South Sudanese nationals and suspended issuing new ones. This major decision affects students, professionals, and even longtime residents with Green Cards following South Sudan’s failure to take back its citizens who were ordered to be deported from the U.S.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision in a press statement. Also, stating that the U.S. government would be prepared to review these actions when South Sudan is in full cooperation. The move is meant to pressure the East African country to comply with repatriation agreements—a process where a person’s home country must agree to accept them back after deportation.

This decision isn’t just about people visiting for short trips. It affects South Sudanese nationals who have lived in the U.S. for years. Some are students, workers, business owners, or parents raising families. Because Green Cards are technically a type of visa, even permanent residents are included. This means people who have built their lives in the U.S. are now at risk of being deported, with no clear path home if their government won’t take them back.

The timing couldn’t be worse. South Sudan is currently dealing with severe political instability. The recent house arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar and ongoing clashes between government troops and armed militias have reignited fears of a return to civil war. This adds another layer of complexity to the repatriation crisis.

This isn’t just about South Sudan. If any other country refuses to cooperate with deportations and ignores diplomatic efforts, they could face similar visa crackdowns. This raises broader concerns for other African nations and beyond, especially those already facing strained relations with American immigration authorities.

For now, thousands of South Sudanese families are caught in uncertainty. Some fear they may be forced out of the only home they’ve known for years. Others worry they’ll be sent back to a country in conflict.

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Chinalurumogu Eze

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