Syracuse Councilor Urges U.S. to Reconsider Visa Ban on South Sudanese Citizens

The U.S. decision to revoke visas for South Sudanese citizens has raised concerns in Syracuse, particularly for Chol Majok, an elected city council member. Majok criticizes the new policy, which he believes adversely affects successful South Sudanese individuals and families. He calls for a reassessment of the policy to avoid unnecessary deportations and ensure better support for the community.

A recent decision by the United States to revoke all visas for citizens of South Sudan has sparked concern among the local South Sudanese community in Syracuse. Notably, Chol Majok, a Syracuse City Council member and mayoral candidate, expressed that this policy affects many South Sudanese residents, particularly those who have found success in academics and athletics.

On Saturday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the U.S. would cancel visas for South Sudanese nationals due to the country’s failure to timely accept the return of deported individuals. In response, South Sudanese officials have stated they would allow the re-entry of a Congolese national, aiming to maintain friendly relations with the U.S. after he was deported under disputed circumstances.

In an interview, Majok, a South Sudan native and elected councilor, acknowledged the need for border protection but criticized the visa ban for leading to the wrongful deportation of individuals not from South Sudan. He highlighted that this policy generates uncertainty for families awaiting reunification and creates challenges for students and athletes.

Majok described the visa revocation as troubling, stating that it adversely impacts qualified South Sudanese individuals who contribute positively to their communities. He described the visa ban as an “overzealous” policy that unnecessarily restricts access for people from South Sudan and called the state department’s actions “completely unacceptable.”

Additionally, Majok noted that while Syracuse offers ample support services for refugees, increased resources are necessary to accommodate the growing needs of the South Sudanese community. He expressed hope that the federal government would reconsider its stance and adopt a more reasonable approach to this issue.

South Sudanese officials deemed the U.S. policy change unjust, asserting that they have cooperated on other deportation matters. The United States has indicated a willingness to review the visa revocation decision once South Sudan demonstrates full cooperation.

The recent U.S. visa ban on South Sudanese citizens raises significant concerns, particularly for the Syracuse community, where many individuals are thriving in academic and athletic pursuits. Chol Majok, a prominent voice in this debate, argues that the policy is unfair and detrimental to people’s lives, as it leads to wrongful deportations and familial separations. The situation remains fluid, with South Sudanese officials pushing back against the policies, and Majok expressing hope for a more reasonable federal approach.

Original Source: spectrumlocalnews.com