How the State Department’s Ruling on South Sudan Passports Could Affect NBA Lottery Hopeful Khaman Maluach: What Duke Is Investigating

Khaman Maluach, a notable player for the Duke Blue Devils and a potential NBA lottery pick, faces uncertainty after a recent decision by the U.S. State Department. Just before Duke’s Final Four game against Houston, the government announced that it would revoke all visas for South Sudanese passport holders. This affects Maluach directly, as he is from South Sudan, where his family fled civil war when he was young.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the decision stems from South Sudan’s failure to accept the return of its citizens who are expelled from the U.S. This creates a challenging situation for Maluach, who played for his country’s Olympic team last summer.

Duke’s spokesperson has acknowledged the situation, saying the university is looking into its implications for Maluach and other students with similar visa issues. This concern highlights a growing trend in immigration policy affecting student-athletes.

Interestingly, Maluach was not available for comment after Duke’s game, where they experienced a heartbreaking defeat despite leading by 14 points at one point. He struggled during the game, scoring only six points and not grabbing any rebounds. It’s unclear if he was aware of the visa news before the game. This distraction could have played a role in his performance.

The impact of such decisions can be broad. According to a recent survey by the College Athletic Association, more than 25% of international student-athletes reported feeling anxious about their immigration status. Many rely on scholarships and the support that comes with being athletes in American universities.

Additional information from the State Department indicates that anyone with a South Sudanese passport applying for a U.S. visa will also be affected by this ruling. As the situation develops, Maluach and others in similar positions may find support through advocacy groups aimed at assisting international students.

In the world of sports and immigration, this case serves as a crucial reminder of the complexities these young athletes face beyond the court, shining a light on the intersection of policy and sports performance.



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Khaman Maluach, Duke Blue Devils, state department, state department spokesperson, South Sudan, Jacob Kupferman, Houston, South Sudanese passport, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Duke University