US Revokes South Sudan Visas Over Deportation Stand-Off

• Apr 07, 2025

The United States has revoked visas for all South Sudanese passport holders after the African nation refused to accept deported citizens from the US, according to a statement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The move takes immediate effect and also bars any South Sudanese citizens from entering the US through its ports of entry.

Rubio accused South Sudan's transitional government of failing to cooperate with efforts to return its nationals in a timely manner. “Every country must accept the return of its citizens,” he stated, adding, “It is time for the Transitional Government of South Sudan to stop taking advantage of the United States.”

The decision aligns with President Donald Trump's broader immigration agenda, which includes ramping up deportations of undocumented migrants. The visa revocation comes at a time of rising tensions in South Sudan, with fears that the country could slip back into civil war.

On March 8, the US ordered all non-essential personnel to leave South Sudan amid outbreaks of regional violence, threatening a peace deal signed in 2018. The fragile agreement had ended a bloody civil war that began just two years after South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011. That conflict, triggered by a fallout between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, resulted in over 400,000 deaths.

Although the 2018 peace deal temporarily halted widespread fighting, key provisions remain unfulfilled. These include drafting a new constitution, organizing national elections, and merging rival armed groups into a unified army. Violence between ethnic communities and local militias continues to erupt across various regions.

The revoked visas also affect South Sudanese living in the US under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which was set to expire by May 3. TPS allows individuals from countries in crisis to live and work legally in the US for a limited period.

One high-profile South Sudanese currently in the US is 18-year-old Duke University basketball player Khaman Maluach. A university spokesman said the school is reviewing the situation following the government’s announcement. Maluach, who previously represented South Sudan at the Olympics, grew up in Uganda after fleeing conflict in his homeland. He is considered a top NBA prospect.

The US decision follows other international clashes over deportation policies. In January, Colombia blocked US deportation flights until threatened with economic sanctions by President Trump.