The U.S. has revoked visas for South Sudanese, who face threat of civil war at home

Los Angeles Times - Apr 6th, 2025
Open on Los Angeles Times

The U.S. has revoked visas for all South Sudanese passport holders, citing the South Sudanese government's failure to accept the return of its citizens in a timely manner. This decision, announced by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, could force South Sudanese to return to a nation teetering on the brink of civil war. The move comes amid a fragile peace process and growing tensions between President Salva Kiir and rival Riek Machar. The situation is further complicated by recent violence, leading to the arrest of Machar and his allies, and the subsequent declaration by his party that the peace deal is effectively over.

The latest developments in South Sudan have drawn international concern, with U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres warning of a potential return to civil war reminiscent of past conflicts that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. The U.S. decision to revoke visas is a stark shift from its previous support for South Sudan's independence and the Temporary Protected Status granted to its citizens. Coupled with the Trump administration's cuts in foreign aid, this move could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in a nation already struggling with corruption, economic instability, and the impacts of regional conflicts. The visa revocation has also raised concerns for South Sudanese students and professionals in the U.S., as institutions like Duke University scramble to assess the implications for their South Sudanese community members.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the political and humanitarian situation involving the U.S. and South Sudan. It effectively covers the U.S. decision to revoke visas for South Sudanese nationals and the ongoing instability in South Sudan, offering timely and relevant information.

While the story is generally accurate, some claims require further verification, and additional perspectives could enhance its balance and depth. The article's reliance on a single news agency limits source diversity, but it maintains clarity and readability, making complex issues accessible to a wide audience.

The article addresses topics of significant public interest, with the potential to influence discussions on immigration policy and international relations. It engages readers by highlighting the human impact of political decisions, though it could benefit from more diverse viewpoints and visual elements to enhance engagement and comprehension. Overall, the article successfully informs and engages its audience on critical global issues.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story provides a generally accurate overview of the situation regarding the U.S. revoking visas for South Sudanese citizens and the political instability in South Sudan. It accurately mentions the tensions between President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar, which have been a significant factor in South Sudan's ongoing conflicts. The article also correctly notes the U.S. decision to revoke visas and the expiration of Temporary Protected Status for South Sudanese nationals.

However, some claims require further verification. For example, the article states that the Trump administration has made sweeping cuts in foreign aid to South Sudan, which needs corroboration from official sources or data. Additionally, the claim about the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announcing the visa revocation needs verification, as Marco Rubio is a U.S. Senator, not the Secretary of State.

The article's mention of the U.N. Secretary-General's warning and the impact of climate shocks on South Sudan aligns with known facts but requires additional sources to confirm the extent of these issues. Overall, while the story covers many critical points, some details need further substantiation to ensure complete accuracy.

6
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the U.S. government's actions and the political situation in South Sudan, offering a somewhat limited perspective. It does not extensively cover the viewpoints or responses from South Sudanese officials or citizens, which could provide a more balanced view of the situation.

The narrative is largely centered on the U.S. perspective, highlighting the visa revocation and its implications for South Sudanese nationals. While it mentions the internal political dynamics between Kiir and Machar, it does not explore the broader international community's role or the perspectives of other countries involved.

There is a lack of detailed discussion on the humanitarian impact of these political decisions on South Sudan's population. Including more voices from affected individuals or organizations working in South Sudan could enhance the balance of the article.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, providing a coherent narrative of the situation in South Sudan and the U.S. government's actions. The language is straightforward, making the complex political and humanitarian issues accessible to a general audience.

The article effectively outlines the historical context of South Sudan's independence and subsequent conflicts, helping readers understand the background of the current situation. The use of specific examples, such as the rivalry between Kiir and Machar, adds depth to the story.

However, some sections could benefit from more detailed explanations, particularly regarding the implications of the visa revocation and the specific roles of international actors. Overall, the article maintains a logical flow and presents information in a manner that is easy to follow.

7
Source quality

The article attributes its information to the Associated Press and includes contributions from an AP sports writer, which are reputable sources known for their journalistic standards. However, it does not provide specific sources for some of the claims made, such as the U.S. aid cuts or the exact statements from U.S. officials.

The reliance on a single news agency limits the diversity of perspectives and sources, potentially affecting the depth of the reporting. Incorporating additional sources, such as direct statements from South Sudanese officials or international organizations, could enhance the credibility and reliability of the information presented.

Overall, while the article uses a credible primary source, expanding the range of sources and providing more direct attributions could strengthen the quality of the information.

6
Transparency

The article lacks detailed transparency regarding the sources of some of its claims, particularly those related to the U.S. government's decisions and the internal dynamics of South Sudan. It does not explicitly explain the methodology behind gathering information or the potential biases of the sources used.

While the article mentions contributions from specific writers, it does not disclose any conflicts of interest or affiliations that might influence the reporting. Additionally, the basis for certain claims, such as the impact of U.S. aid cuts, is not clearly outlined, leaving readers without a full understanding of the evidence supporting these assertions.

Improving transparency by providing more context on the sources and methods used to gather information would help readers assess the credibility and impartiality of the article.

Sources

  1. https://news.sky.com/story/us-revokes-all-visas-for-south-sudanese-over-deportation-row-13343143
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SD5ecDidNzM
  3. https://time.com/7275312/us-revokes-visas-for-south-sudanese-civil-war-threatens-at-home/