Syracuse Councilor Advocates for Reversal of U.S. Visa Ban on South Sudanese Citizens
Chol Majok, a Syracuse councilor from South Sudan, is advocating for the U.S. to reverse its visa ban on South Sudanese citizens. The decision, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, resulted from South Sudan’s failure to accept deportees timely. Majok highlighted the negative impact on South Sudanese nationals, including students and athletes. He criticized the decision as overreaching and unacceptable, urging a reconsideration of U.S. policies to ensure support for refugees.
Chol Majok, a city councilor in Syracuse and a native of South Sudan, has expressed concern over the recent revocation of all visas for South Sudanese citizens by the United States. This policy, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stemmed from South Sudan’s failure to promptly accept the return of deportees. Majok, who is also a mayoral candidate, highlighted the impact this decision has on South Sudanese nationals residing in Syracuse, particularly students and athletes, whose futures now hang in uncertainty.
In light of these developments, Majok noted that South Sudan is still recovering from a severe civil war, which has left the region politically unstable. He criticized the U.S. for the broad visa ban, arguing that it not only harms genuine South Sudanese citizens but also affects others, thereby creating chaos and distress. He remarked, “It’s troubling to us as some of the people that are South Sudanese nationals here on scholarships […] are getting impacted.”
Majok articulated his belief that the U.S. should reconsider its “umbrella approach” to visa cancellations, as many residents are anxious about pending family reunions and the overall implications of these actions. He deemed the State Department’s stance unacceptable, asserting, “To recall the visas is not who we are as Americans…”
He acknowledged the array of community services available to refugees in Syracuse but stressed the need for additional resources to support them effectively. Furthermore, Majok expressed hope that the federal government would reassess its position on this matter, emphasizing the necessity for a more rational approach. In response to the visa policy change, South Sudanese officials described it as unjust and stated their readiness for cooperation to resolve issues surrounding deportations.
Chol Majok’s concerns regarding the U.S. visa ban for South Sudanese citizens underscore the potential risks this policy poses for individuals striving to build futures in America. His call for a reevaluation of the situation reflects a desire for rationality and compassion in U.S. immigration policies, especially in the context of ongoing recovery efforts in South Sudan. The situation remains sensitive, with implications not only for those facing deportation but also for family connections and community support in Syracuse.
Original Source: spectrumlocalnews.com
