Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the revocation of student and visitor visas held by South Sudanese passport holders, accusing the country’s transitional government of refusing to accept repatriated citizens deported by the Trump administration. This is the first time the Trump administration has targeted passport holders of a specific country. Rubio emphasized the importance of countries accepting the return of their citizens when requested by another country. As a result of South Sudan’s refusal to cooperate, the U.S. will stop issuing visas to its passport holders.
The Biden administration had previously granted Temporary Protected Status to South Sudanese nationals, but this designation is set to expire in May 2023. There are currently around 155 South Sudanese individuals in the U.S. under the TPS program. Rubio’s decision comes at a time of heightened tensions in South Sudan, with fears of a return to civil war following the house arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar. South Sudan President Salva Kiir’s government has accused Machar of inciting rebellion.
The announcement by Rubio underscores the U.S. government’s firm stance on immigration and cooperation between nations. Rubio’s actions have stirred debate and criticism, with some expressing concerns about the impact on individuals affected by the visa revocations. The situation in South Sudan remains complex and uncertain, with the international community closely monitoring developments to prevent a further escalation of violence.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
