U.S.-South Sudan relations have reached a new turning point.
According to Fox News, the U.S. has halted all visa services for South Sudanese nationals due to the failures in repatriation cooperation.
On a significant announcement on Saturday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared a stringent measure against South Sudan: the revocation of existing visas for its citizens and a ban on future visas. This decision is a retaliatory action against the South Sudanese transitional government's sluggish pace in accepting citizens deported from the U.S.
Secretary Rubio expressed deep concerns over the inaction of South Sudan in matters of repatriation. "The failure of South Sudan's transitional government to accept the return of its repatriated citizens promptly," he stated, underlines a persistent problem that compelled the U.S. to adjust its visa policies towards the East African nation.
According to the U.S. Department of State, the irresponsible behavior of South Sudan's government poses a challenge. They see this move as an imperative step in enforcing U.S. immigration laws effectively, crucial for national security and public safety.
The U.S. has accused South Sudan of exploiting its goodwill. "It is time for the transitional government of South Sudan to stop taking advantage of the U.S.," noted a spokesperson from the Department of State. This sentiment reflects a growing frustration with the African nation, amidst ongoing dialogues about immigration enforcement.
Moreover, the Department values cooperation and has stated its openness to revisiting the restrictions if the South Sudanese authorities comply fully with repatriation agreements.
The Trump administration's recent immigration policies resonate with this latest visa suspension. Before this development with South Sudan, the administration had removed deportation protections for over 300,000 nationals from other countries, signaling a broader tightening of U.S. immigration rules.
A report from the New York Post highlighted the significant steps taken by the administration in deporting over 100,000 illegal migrants. Their strategic changes have led to fewer illegal migrant encounters, showcasing the administration's commitment to stringent immigration enforcement.
Interestingly, nearby, the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum, Sudan, had previously halted its consular services on April 22, 2023. This development, therefore, adds context to the unfolding immigration posture of the U.S. in the region.
Meanwhile, the troubled region of South Sudan, on the brink of potential civil conflict and facing severe humanitarian crises, further complicates the diplomatic relations between these two nations.
Despite these dramatic shifts in U.S. policy, there has been no immediate response from South Sudan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its U.N. office. Meanwhile, the international community watches closely as these events unfold, assessing the impacts on South Sudanese citizens globally. Notably, an aspect of the diplomatic interplay was captured in a photograph released during the announcement, showing Secretary of State Rubio with South Sudan's President Salva Kiir Mayardit. This visual, in turn, punctuates the serious undertones of the ongoing diplomatic exchanges.
As this narrative continues, the U.S. stands firm on its position, awaiting South Sudan's actionable responses towards resolving the ongoing repatriation issues. However, the U.S. Department of State reassures that revisions to these stringent measures are possible, contingent on South Sudan's compliance and cooperation in addressing these immigration-related demands.
