![U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio flanked by President Donald Trump in a campaign rally. [Photo courtesy]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_0060.jpeg?resize=1024%2C587&quality=89&ssl=1)
WASHINGTON — The United States has suspended the issuance of visas for South Sudanese passport holders and revoked existing ones, citing Juba’s refusal to accept the return of its nationals, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Saturday.
In a statement, Rubio said the visa restrictions were effective immediately due to a lack of cooperation from South Sudan’s transitional government regarding the repatriation of its citizens.
“It is time for the Transitional Government of South Sudan to stop taking advantage of the United States?” Rubio stated.
“Enforcing our nation’s immigration laws is critically important to the national security and public safety of the United States. Every country must accept the return of its citizens in a timely manner when another country, including the United States, seeks to remove them,” he continued.
Rubio added that the State Department was taking action to “revoke all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders and prevent further issuance to prevent entry into the United States by South Sudanese passport holders.”
“We will be prepared to review these actions when South Sudan is in full cooperation,” he said.
The statement did not specify the number of individuals impacted by the decision.
The move aligns with the increased immigration enforcement measures under the administration of President Donald Trump, who returned to office in January 2025 and has voiced displeasure with countries that do not accept the return of their citizens.
South Sudan, which gained independence in 2011, has faced prolonged instability and conflict.
Human rights organizations have previously cautioned that the forced return of individuals to South Sudan could expose them to significant risks, including persecution and violence.
Recent tensions, including the detention of opposition leader and First Vice President Riek Machar, have heightened concerns about a potential resurgence of civil war in the African nation, where millions have been displaced.
