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Duke Basketball Star Khaman Maluach Faces Deportation Under New U.S. Visa Policy

The Trump administration’s revocation of visas for South Sudanese nationals puts Maluach and others at risk, prompting Duke University to investigate the policy’s impact on its students.

Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Khaman Maluach (9) dunks against the Houston Cougars during the second half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Khaman Maluach #9 of the Duke Blue Devils high fives teammates during introductions before a game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at the Dean Smith Center on March 08, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Khaman Maluach #9 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts with teammate after the second half in the Final Four game of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Houston Cougars at the Alamodome on April 05, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by JAMIE SQUIRE / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
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Overview

  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the immediate revocation of visas for South Sudanese passport holders, citing the country's failure to accept repatriated citizens promptly.
  • Duke freshman Khaman Maluach, a South Sudanese national and projected NBA draft pick, is among those potentially affected by the policy.
  • Duke University has stated it is actively reviewing the implications of the visa revocation for its international students, including Maluach.
  • The policy also halts the issuance of new U.S. visas to South Sudanese nationals, affecting both current holders and future applicants.
  • The decision comes against the backdrop of escalating violence in South Sudan and raises questions about the intersection of U.S. immigration policy and international relations.