U.S. Revokes All Visas for South Sudanese Citizens Over Deportation Dispute

The United States announced Saturday that it has revoked all visas previously granted to citizens of South Sudan, citing the country’s refusal to repatriate its nationals who are subject to deportation orders.

In a statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, “Effective immediately, the U.S. Department of State is revoking all visas held by South Sudanese nationals.” The move marks the first such blanket action against an entire nation since President Donald Trump returned to office on January 20, reinforcing his administration’s hardline stance on immigration enforcement.

“It’s time for South Sudan’s transitional government to stop taking advantage of the United States,” Rubio said.

He emphasized that enforcing immigration laws is critical to both national security and public safety, adding, “Every country has an obligation to take back its citizens when another nation— including the United States— seeks to deport them.”

In addition to revoking existing visas, the U.S. will also suspend the issuance of new visas to South Sudanese citizens, according to the statement. Rubio noted that the policy could be reconsidered should South Sudan fully cooperate with U.S. repatriation efforts.