U.S. Revokes South Sudanese Visas Amid Diplomatic Standoff Over Deportations

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Saturday that the United States will immediately revoke all valid visas held by South Sudanese passport holders and suspend the issuance of any new ones. The decision marks a sharp escalation in diplomatic pressure following South Sudan’s refusal to cooperate with the return of its nationals slated for deportation from the U.S.

In a statement shared on X, Rubio said the move was prompted by the transitional government of South Sudan “failing to accept the timely repatriation of its citizens.” He stressed that this non-compliance jeopardizes the integrity of U.S. immigration policy and public safety.

The U.S. Department of State echoed Rubio’s remarks, stating bluntly: “South Sudan’s government cannot continue to take advantage of the United States by refusing to accept responsibility for its nationals.” The department emphasized that countries must honor international norms by accepting their citizens when deportation is lawfully pursued by another nation.

“We take the enforcement of our immigration laws seriously,” the department added. “When individuals are ordered removed from the United States, their governments must facilitate that return. It is a matter of national security, not political convenience.”

Officials confirmed that these visa restrictions will remain in effect until the South Sudanese government demonstrates full cooperation. The escalating conflict within South Sudan, including growing violence, food insecurity, and mass displacement, has complicated international engagement with the country. Yet, the U.S. insists that such internal challenges do not absolve the government of its international responsibilities.

A Broader Crackdown on Illegal Immigration

This visa revocation comes amid a renewed push by the Trump administration to enforce strict immigration policies following President Trump’s return to office. In the early days of his second term, Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, deployed military personnel, and suspended the processing of asylum claims from individuals crossing illegally.

Since that declaration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has launched a sweeping enforcement campaign, arresting over 32,000 individuals within the first 50 days. ICE has reported that it has reached full capacity at detention centers nationwide and is actively seeking additional funding from Congress to expand its resources.

According to officials, the current enforcement surge includes the use of long-dormant federal powers. In one high-profile move, the administration utilized the rarely enforced Alien Enemies Act to deport suspected gang members directly to high-security detention centers abroad. Seventeen alleged members of violent transnational gangs—reportedly including MS-13 and Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua—were recently flown to El Salvador under the measure, despite a federal court challenge to the law’s use.

“This administration is serious about removing individuals who pose a threat to public safety,” said an ICE source familiar with the operation. “There are no more free passes, no more hiding in the shadows.”

South Sudan’s Refusal Fuels Tensions

The visa ban follows a high-profile legal case that halted the deportation of eight South Sudanese nationals convicted of violent crimes in the U.S. A federal judge had ordered their removal be delayed until they were given an opportunity to contest being sent to South Sudan, citing safety concerns in the war-torn country.

U.S. officials have pushed back, arguing that the men had long-standing deportation orders and had exhausted their legal options. Despite that, the South Sudanese government refused to issue travel documents to facilitate their return.

“This is about a government refusing to take back its own citizens, most of whom were convicted of serious criminal acts,” a DHS official said. “It’s a pattern that cannot continue.”

Rubio’s move to revoke visas is intended to send a clear diplomatic message. The United States, he indicated, will not tolerate obstruction when it comes to the lawful removal of individuals deemed deportable—especially when those individuals have committed crimes on American soil.

Shifting the Narrative on Immigration

Trump’s renewed emphasis on border control and immigration enforcement marks a sharp contrast from the previous administration. Under President Biden, immigration policy was largely characterized by leniency, temporary protections, and expanded legal pathways. Critics argued that such policies created incentives for irregular migration and overwhelmed border resources.

Now, under Trump’s revived leadership, border crossings have reportedly dropped to their lowest levels in years. DHS insiders attribute this shift to what they call “the Trump effect”—a stark policy change that has reshaped migrant behavior and reasserted U.S. control over its borders.

“There’s no more illusion,” one source said. “People know the rules have changed.”

Whether the visa revocations and deportation policies will produce long-term diplomatic consequences remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the Trump administration is sending a strong message that immigration laws will be enforced—with or without the cooperation of foreign governments.