Author: Atem James | Published: 4 hours ago
United States flag – courtesy image
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Eye Radio) — The Embassy of South Sudan in Washington has issued an urgent advisory to South Sudanese students currently in the United States, warning them to avoid all international travel. The mission cautioned that students who depart the U.S. risk being denied re-entry following stringent new visa restrictions announced by the White House.
The advisory follows a recent U.S. government proclamation, effective January 1, 2026, which imposes a full travel ban on South Sudan and several other nations.
The White House cited “severe deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing” as threats to U.S. national security and public safety.
According to the U.S. proclamation, South Sudan recorded a B-1/B-2 (tourist/business) visa overstay rate of 6.99 percent, while the overstay rate for F, M, and J visas reached 26.09 percent.
In a statement released recently, the embassy clarified that the restrictions specifically impact F-1 visas, issued for full-time academic students, and J-1 visas, used for exchange visitors and scholars.
The embassy further noted that under the current policy, admission to a U.S. academic institution or the receipt of a scholarship no longer guarantees the issuance of a visa.
The mission stated that South Sudanese students already in the country with valid F-1 or J-1 status may continue their studies, provided they remain in full compliance with U.S. immigration regulations and the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) requirements.
However, the embassy strongly discouraged leaving the U.S. because re-entry may be denied even if a student possesses a valid visa.
Additionally, visa renewals processed at U.S. consulates abroad may be denied or face indefinite delays, and departing the country carries a significant risk of permanent exclusion under the current restrictions.
The latest travel ban follows a period of escalating diplomatic tension. In April, the U.S. issued a blanket visa revocation after the South Sudanese government refused a deportee sent from the U.S. to Juba.
While Juba identified the individual as a Congolese national named Makula Kintu, U.S. authorities identified him as Nemeiri Garang, a South Sudanese national.
Tensions further heightened in July when South Sudan received a group of eight migrants deported by the Trump Administration, described as “dangerous criminals.”
While only one was South Sudanese, the group included nationals from Cuba, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Despite this, the administration has accused South Sudan of historically failing to cooperate in accepting back its nationals.
Under the current status, students already in the U.S. remain legal but are essentially “locked in.” There is a high risk of denied re-entry if a student crosses any international border. Consequently, the embassy does not recommend seeking visa renewals outside the United States at this time.
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