South Sudan has shown an openness to accepting more undocumented immigrants from the United States, though it’s seeking various benefits from President Donald Trump first.
After enduring a series of legal challenges, the Trump administration successfully deported eight undocumented immigrants in July from countries including Cuba, Laos, Mexico, Burma, Vietnam, and South Sudan. It has emerged that the South Sudan government is prepared for more deportees but has outlined specific demands. These demands consist of removing sanctions on key officials, reinstating visas for its citizens, and calling for the prosecution of South Sudan’s first vice president, Riek Machar, along with efforts to bolster the country’s financial accounts in the New York Federal Reserve.
Jayapal refers to the men deported to South Sudan as “immigrants.”
All these “immigrants” are undocumented individuals convicted of serious crimes, including multiple homicides and child sexual offenses, who faced final deportation orders, some dating back to 1999. https://t.co/32cgc0diye
– Billmelugin (@billmelugin_) July 5, 2025
“South Sudan will remain an ally of the United States and support the policies of the current president, his Excellency, President Donald Trump,” noted Washington’s Ambassador to South Sudan, Santino Dicken. He mentioned that most of the administration’s partners comprehensively understand that when engaging with the South Sudan government, there’s room to advocate for their citizens, including asking the U.S. to ease visa restrictions for South Sudan passport holders.
However, reports indicate that the Trump administration has yet to meet these demands.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced in April that the U.S. had suspended visas for South Sudan passport holders and prevented new arrivals from that country due to the transitional government’s failure to facilitate timely repatriation of its citizens.
Steps are being taken to revoke all visas held by South Sudan passport holders and restrict further issuing to avoid entry into the U.S.
– Secretary Marco Rubio (@secrubio) April 5, 2025
“When countries, including the U.S., attempt to deport their citizens, all nations must accept their return promptly,” Rubio said in his statement, emphasizing that the South Sudan transitional government has not adhered to this expectation.
During a visit to the White House in July, the Trump administration encouraged the leaders of Liberia, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Gabon to accept illegal immigrants deported from the U.S.
