Duke basketball star among South Sudanese who could be deported due to new Trump policy…

Duke basketball star among South Sudanese who could be deported due to new Trump policy…

 

In a development that has sent shockwaves through the sports community, Khaman Maluach, a freshman center for the Duke University basketball team and a top NBA draft prospect, may face deportation due to a recent policy change by the U.S. government affecting South Sudanese nationals.

 

New Visa Restrictions

 

On April 6, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the United States would revoke all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders. The policy cites South Sudan’s failure to accept the repatriation of its citizens in a timely manner as the primary reason for the visa revocation. This decision has immediate and far-reaching implications for South Sudanese nationals residing in the U.S., including students and professionals.

 

Impact on Khaman Maluach

 

Khaman Maluach, affectionately known as “Man-Man,” has become a standout player for the Duke Blue Devils. His impressive freshman season culminated in a narrow 70-67 loss to the University of Houston in the Final Four. Following the game, Maluach declined to comment, and his current visa status remains uncertain. While it’s speculated that he may be on a student visa, possibly due to NCAA Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations, his exact situation is not publicly confirmed.

 

Duke University’s Response

 

In light of the new policy, Duke University has acknowledged the potential impact on its South Sudanese students, including Maluach. The university released a statement expressing its commitment to reviewing the implications of the visa revocation and is actively assessing how it affects current students. The administration has assured that it is working diligently to support those affected and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

 

Broader Concerns

 

The visa revocation has raised significant concerns, particularly given the ongoing instability in South Sudan. The country has been grappling with renewed violence stemming from political tensions, including the recent arrest of a key deputy leader. The United Nations has warned of a potential resurgence of civil war, exacerbating fears about the safety and well-being of citizens being forced to return. Additionally, South Sudanese citizens in the U.S. have been living under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which is set to expire on May 3, adding to the uncertainty faced by many.

 

International Reactions

 

The policy has drawn criticism from various quarters, including sports figures with ties to the affected regions. Luol Deng, a former NBA star born in what is now South Sudan, has been vocal about his opposition to such policies. Deng, who sought refuge in the UK during his youth, has emphasized the importance of supporting refugees and migrants, stating that he stands by all refugees and migrants, of all religions, just as he stands by the policies that have historically welcomed them.

 

Looking Aheads the situation develops, the affected South Sudanese nationals, including Khaman Maluach, face an uncertain future. The intersection of immigration policy and collegiate athletics presents complex challenges, and the coming weeks will be critical in determining the outcomes for these individuals. The broader implications for U.S. foreign policy and international relations, particularly with African nations, remain to be seen.