Just when the NCAA Final Four excitement reached its peak, an unexpected political twist involving immigration policy has thrown a cloud of uncertainty over one of college basketball’s rising stars.
Khaman Maluach, a freshman center for Duke University and a standout during March Madness, may now face potential deportation due to sudden changes in U.S. visa policy affecting South Sudanese nationals.
U.S. Cracks Down on South Sudan Visas
On Saturday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio dropped a bombshell on social media, announcing that the U.S. government would begin revoking all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders.
Additionally, no new visas will be issued to South Sudanese citizens “effective immediately.”
According to Rubio, the decision stems from the South Sudanese transitional government’s repeated refusal to cooperate in accepting the return of its repatriated citizens.
“It is time for the Transitional Government of South Sudan to stop taking advantage of the United States,” the State Department said in an official statement.
“Enforcing our nation’s immigration laws is critically important to the national security and public safety of the United States.”
Duke’s Star Player May Be Directly Affected
While the State Department’s policy change is aimed at diplomatic tensions, it may have immediate consequences on the basketball court.
Khaman Maluach, Duke’s starting center and one of the key players in their Final Four campaign, is originally from South Sudan.
His immigration status in the U.S. is currently unclear, and it remains to be seen whether he is here on a South Sudanese passport or through another nationality or visa.
Duke University hasn’t released any official information about Maluach’s situation.
When asked for a comment, university representatives simply said they had “no comment at this time.”
From Refugee to Rising Star
Maluach’s journey to NCAA stardom is nothing short of remarkable.
Born in Rumbek, South Sudan, he was raised in Uganda after fleeing as a refugee.
He attended high school in Senegal, training at the prestigious NBA Academy Africa.
By the age of 16, he was already playing professional basketball with Cobra Sport in South Sudan.
From there, his talent took him to AS Douanes in Senegal and City Oilers in Uganda before he was recruited to Duke.
He chose the Blue Devils over powerhouse programs like UCLA, Kentucky, and Kansas.
Political Timing Raises Eyebrows
Interestingly, the announcement came on the same night that Rubio’s alma mater, the University of Florida, secured a spot in the national championship game.
While there’s no evidence to suggest a direct connection, the timing hasn’t gone unnoticed by sports fans and political observers.
As the NCAA tournament continues, all eyes will be on whether Maluach will be allowed to remain in the U.S. and continue playing—or if his March Madness journey will be cut short by international politics.
