America First Immigration Policy Targets Non-Cooperative Nations
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Trump administration has taken a bold step in restoring immigration control by revoking all U.S. visas held by South Sudanese passport holders. The State Department also confirmed that no new visas will be issued to South Sudanese citizens until their government fully complies with deportation agreements.
The announcement came Saturday from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who made it clear: America will no longer tolerate foreign governments that refuse to take back their citizens when they are ordered removed from U.S. soil.
“It’s time for South Sudan to stop taking advantage of the United States,” said Rubio. “Every country has a responsibility to accept the return of its nationals. This is about national security, accountability, and putting Americans first.”
South Sudan Visa Ban Is First of Its Kind Under Trump’s Second Term
This sweeping visa restriction is the first nation-specific action of Trump’s second administration. It underscores the White House’s promise to prioritize lawful immigration and secure U.S. borders from abuse.
The action is part of a larger shift away from temporary immigration protections, especially those granted under the Biden administration. South Sudan, one of the poorest and most unstable nations in the world, was granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) during Biden’s tenure, shielding hundreds from deportation.
That protection is set to expire on May 3, 2025, and under Trump’s leadership, renewal is unlikely.
What Is TPS? And Why It’s Under Review
TPS, or Temporary Protected Status, allows immigrants from unstable or war-torn countries to stay in the U.S. legally. But critics say it’s been abused as a backdoor path to permanent residency, often at the expense of American taxpayers.
As of late 2023:
- 133 South Sudanese nationals were living in the U.S. under TPS
- Another 140 were eligible to apply
- The Biden administration had expanded TPS to cover over 17 countries, including Venezuela, Ukraine, Haiti, and Afghanistan
Under President Trump, those policies are being reevaluated.
Trump’s DHS Faces Legal Pushback – But Stands Firm
Efforts to end TPS for Venezuelans were temporarily blocked in March by U.S. District Judge Edward Chen, an Obama-appointed judge in California, who warned of “irreparable harm” if the program ended.
But Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has defended the move, citing national security and the need to reduce strain on American communities.
DOJ attorney Sarah Vuong said: “This was a national security decision, not based on race or bias. The administration’s goal is to uphold the law and protect American interests.”
Why South Sudan Is Being Targeted Now
South Sudan’s government has repeatedly refused to accept its own citizens after deportation orders. That, officials say, violates international norms and creates a loophole in immigration enforcement.
“You cannot have immigration law without enforcement,” Rubio emphasized. “We are shutting that door.”
This move is expected to face legal challenges, especially from immigration activist groups and federal courts sympathetic to open-border policies. But the Trump administration is ready for the fight.
Bottom Line: America Is Back In Control of Its Borders
This visa crackdown is a clear message: the days of leniency are over. President Trump is putting the safety and sovereignty of the American people above foreign interests.
With mounting pressure on the immigration system and surging costs to U.S. taxpayers, many believe these reforms are not just necessary — they’re long overdue.