Khaman Maluach could be deported as U.S. revokes visas for South Sudanese

In early April 2025, a significant policy change by the U.S. State Department has put South Sudanese nationals, including Duke University Men’s Basketball star Khaman Maluach, at risk of deportation. The decision follows Secretary of State Marco Rubio's announcement that all visas for South Sudanese passport holders would be revoked immediately due to the South Sudan transitional government’s failure to accept U.S. deportees in a timely manner. This announcement coincided tragically with Duke's narrow loss in the NCAA tournament semifinals to the University of Houston, further complicating Maluach's future in the U.S. as he grapples with the implications of this unexpected policy shift. Malauach, a promising freshman center at Duke, had enjoyed a stellar NCAA tournament, recording significant performances that positioned him as a likely first-round pick in the upcoming NBA draft. However, his future is now uncertain. The new visa restrictions mean that even though there hasn't been an outright deportation order, any South Sudanese nationals who leave the country may face a ban on re-entry, creating anxiety for Maluach about his status in the U.S. The announcement has created a sense of urgency within the Duke University administration, which is actively working to comprehend the full implications of the State Department's announcement for students like Maluach. Frank Tramble, Duke's vice president of communications, noted that the university is taking this situation seriously and is attempting to understand its ramifications for students. As tensions rise, Maluach's path from a refugee escaping war in South Sudan to a basketball star at Duke is overshadowed by political issues that could impact his academic and athletic future. This situation serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by many immigrants and refugees, especially those from conflict-ridden countries. As the U.S. government enforces stricter immigration policies, the impact on individuals who have worked hard to build their lives in the country can be profound. The phenomenon underscores the complexities of international relations and their direct effects on the lives of students and athletes like Khaman Maluach, who stand at the intersection of sports, education, and immigration policy.