In an unprecedented move, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Saturday that all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders would be revoked, and future visa issuances would be severely restricted, effective immediately. This decision comes as a reaction to the South Sudanese government's failure to promptly accept the return of its repatriated citizens.

Rubio's announcement highlighted the ongoing crisis in South Sudan, stating, “Due to the failure of South Sudan's transitional government to accept the return of its repatriated citizens in a timely manner, I am taking these actions to ensure the security of our borders.” He emphasized that these measures would remain in place until the South Sudanese government fully cooperates with repatriation efforts.

This bold step marks the first time since the Trump administration that the U.S. has broadly targeted a nation's passport holders. With Trump back in office, this policy resembles previous anti-immigration efforts where nationality became a focal point for visa restrictions.

A Country on the Edge of Collapse

South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, has a tumultuous history marked by a devastating civil war that erupted just a few years after gaining independence from Sudan in 2011. In 2020, President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar attempted to stabilize the nation by forming a transitional government. However, this fragile coalition is now facing dire challenges, with reports emerging that forces loyal to Kiir recently placed Machar under house arrest, exacerbating fears of renewed conflict.

Just last week, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called upon international leaders to intervene and prevent South Sudan from descending into another civil war, warning that the country is teetering 'over the abyss.' The situation remains critical, as humanitarian crises worsen and the population faces dire economic challenges.

Temporary Protected Status Under Threat

Adding to the uncertainty for South Sudanese nationals in the U.S., the Biden administration previously granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to these individuals, which shields them from deportation due to unsafe conditions in their home country. This protection is set to expire on May 3, 2025. As of now, approximately 133 South Sudanese individuals in the U.S. are under this program, with an additional 140 eligible to apply.

However, the Biden administration's path appears fraught as the Trump administration had already begun rescinding TPS designations for other nationalities, impacting over 600,000 Venezuelans earlier this year. Amid these escalating geopolitical tensions, the fate of South Sudanese nationals hangs in the balance as the U.S. government reassesses its immigration policies.

As reactions unfold from both the South Sudanese government and the international community, the coming days could prove pivotal for the lives of many individuals caught in the crossfire of politics and humanitarian crises. Will cooperation from South Sudan lead to the lifting of these restrictions, or are we witnessing the beginning of a more profound immigration crisis? The world is watching closely.