The United States suspends visas as a pressure measure due to the lack of cooperation from certain governments. The warning extends to other countries.
Revoking already granted visas as pressure
For now, Donald Trump's administration has revoked all visas issued to South Sudanese citizens and frozen the issuance of new ones. This is in retaliation for the country's refusal to accept repatriates. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the measure on Saturday and made it clear that it will only be reversed if there is "full cooperation."
Rubio explained that the decision aligns with the international principle that requires countries to accept their citizens when they are legally expelled from another territory. By refusing to comply, South Sudan is subject to immediate migration sanctions.
A punishment with echoes for other countries
This decision is not isolated. The White House had already warned that it would impose similar measures on any country that refused to cooperate with the deportation of its nationals. In the case of Cuba, for example, the situation is becoming increasingly delicate, but the island's government has shown willingness to accept the repatriates.
However, more than 26,000 Cubans who entered with parole after March 2024 could face deportation if they do not adjust their status before April 24. Additionally, there are 300,000 who possess the I-220A form and whose immigration status is uncertain.
If the Cuban regime refuses to accept the deported individuals, the United States could impose the same sanctions currently imposed on South Sudan: visa revocations, suspension of new applications, and strict restrictions on legal entry into the country.
Crisis in South Sudan worsens tension
The political background in South Sudan further complicates the situation. In recent weeks, clashes between the official army and the White Army militia have reignited, raising fears of a new civil war. The house arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar has deepened the crisis.
African Union mediators are in Juba trying to prevent an open conflict, but ethnic tensions between the Dinka and Nuer groups make the outlook uncertain.
Trump hardens stance against "non-cooperative" countries
The measure reflects Trump's tough stance on immigration. His administration has made it clear that it will not tolerate non-cooperation and that diplomacy will have consequences if countries do not accept the return of their citizens.
This move also has broader implications. It could serve as a warning to governments that hinder the execution of deportations, especially amid the tightening of immigration policies driven from the White House.