U.S. Slaps Full Visa Ban on South Sudan Amid Deportation Dispute and Rising Conflict Fears

The United States has imposed a sweeping visa ban on South Sudanese nationals, revoking all existing visas and halting future issuances.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited South Sudan’s refusal to accept deported citizens as the primary reason for the move. The decision comes at a time when South Sudan is facing the threat of renewed civil war, compounding the humanitarian and political crisis in the young nation. The U.S., once a strong supporter of South Sudan’s independence, is now taking a hardline stance as diplomatic relations deteriorate.

The visa ban could affect thousands of South Sudanese living in the U.S., many of whom fear returning to a country on the brink of conflict.