Duke University men’s basketball player Khaman Maluach is facing potential obstacles in his ability to reenter the United States following the Trump administration’s recent decision to revoke U.S. visas for citizens of South Sudan. This decision, which primarily impacts South Sudanese passport holders, may severely limit the 6-foot-9 forward’s freedom of movement, including his ability to leave the U.S. for international duties and return to continue his education and athletic career at Duke.
Malusach, a native of South Sudan, has been a key player for Duke since joining the program. A transfer from the University of Nebraska, Maluach has played a crucial role on the team, contributing his skills both offensively and defensively. However, his status as a South Sudanese national now places him at risk due to the recent visa revocation. Under the new policy, nationals from South Sudan can no longer easily obtain U.S. visas, which could impact not only travel plans but also his future with the team.
The Trump administration’s move, which came as part of broader restrictions on travel from certain countries, aims to tighten national security measures. South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, has faced ongoing challenges related to internal conflict, and the U.S. government has cited concerns about the ability of South Sudanese officials to verify the identities of their citizens. The visa revocation is part of a larger effort to curb potential security risks.
For Maluach, the decision represents more than just a travel restriction—it could threaten his status in the United States, where he has been pursuing both his education and athletic ambitions. As a foreign student-athlete, Maluach’s ability to travel internationally and return is vital not only for his career but also for maintaining his enrollment at Duke. Without the ability to return to the U.S., his spot on the team and his academic progress could be jeopardized.
The situation is complicated further by Maluach’s unique circumstances as an international student. While the U.S. has student-athlete visa programs in place for foreign-born athletes, the revocation of a passport holder’s visa could lead to complications in renewing or securing future visas. Maluach’s current visa status may be contingent on his ability to return to the U.S. after any travel outside the country.
At present, Duke University and its athletics department have not commented on the impact of this visa revocation on Maluach’s future with the basketball team. However, the school’s administration has previously shown support for international students, and it is expected that they will work closely with Maluach to explore any potential solutions or exceptions that may allow him to remain at the school.
The U.S. State Department has said that individuals affected by the revocation of South Sudanese visas can apply for special consideration or appeal their case, though these processes are often lengthy and uncertain. This uncertainty leaves Maluach in a precarious position, caught between his athletic commitments at Duke and the geopolitical realities of the current U.S. visa policies.
As the situation unfolds, both Maluach and Duke are watching closely for any developments or policy changes that may alleviate the restrictions. If the ban remains in place or is expanded to other countries, it could have a broader impact on the many international student-athletes in the U.S., further complicating the already challenging landscape for foreign-born athletes.
For now, Maluach’s immediate future appears uncertain, as he navigates both his basketball career and the complex immigration policy changes that could affect his ability to continue his education and athletic pursuits in the United States. The decision also casts a spotlight on the increasing challenges faced by international students in the U.S., especially those balancing academics, athletics, and the shifting tides of immigration policy.
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