JUBA — A Republican member of the United States Congress has introduced legislation seeking to ban immigration from South Sudan, Sudan, and Somalia, a move that could have significant implications for thousands of people from the three countries seeking opportunities, education, and refuge in America.
Congresswoman Nancy Mace of South Carolina announced the proposal in a strongly worded statement on Thursday, emphasising national security and immigration restrictions.
“We’re introducing legislation to ban immigration from Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan,” Mace said. “We’re stopping it before it’s too late.”
The proposal, which has yet to be debated or passed by the U.S. Congress, forms part of a broader push by some Republican lawmakers for stricter immigration policies under the “America First” agenda.
Mace argued that the measure is intended to protect American citizens and prevent what she described as the importation of instability into the United States.
“Americans have watched what has happened in cities across Europe. We’re not making the same mistake here,” she said.
She added, “We will not put the interests of foreign nationals ahead of the safety and security of American citizens. No more importing instability. No more ignoring the warning signs.”
The proposed legislation could draw concern among South Sudanese communities both at home and in the diaspora. The United States hosts thousands of South Sudanese immigrants, refugees, students, and professionals, many of whom have settled in states such as Nebraska, Iowa, Arizona, and Minnesota.
For years, the United States has been one of South Sudan’s closest international partners, providing humanitarian assistance, development support, and diplomatic backing since the country gained independence in 2011.
South Sudanese students and professionals continue to seek educational and employment opportunities in the United States through scholarship programs, family reunification channels, and other legal immigration pathways.
The legislation would still need to pass both chambers of the U.S. Congress and receive presidential approval before becoming law. Similar immigration restrictions in the United States have historically faced political debate and legal challenges.
Mace, who has represented South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District since 2021, said the proposal is intended to prioritise American security interests.
“America First. Always,” she concluded.
As of Thursday, there had been no immediate reaction from the Government of South Sudan or the South Sudanese Embassy in Washington regarding the proposed legislation.
South Sudan remains one of the many African countries on the U.S. travel ban list, compounded by sweeping visa restrictions. An immigration ban, which is as old as humanity, could aggravate the situation.
