Importance Score: 55 / 100 🔵
Duke Basketball Star Faces Potential Deportation Amid US-South Sudan Tensions
A developing diplomatic situation between the United States and South Sudan could significantly impact college basketball, specifically Duke University, as freshman center Khaman Maluach faces possible deportation. This issue arises as the Duke Blue Devils navigate the March Madness tournament, making headlines nationwide.
Visa Revocation Announcement by Secretary of State Rubio
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared via social media on Saturday afternoon that the State Department would implement immediate measures to revoke all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders. Further, the department will restrict any future visa issuances to prevent entry into the United States, effective immediately.
Reason for Policy Change
Secretary Rubio cited the South Sudanese transitional government’s “failure…to accept the return of its repatriated citizens in a timely manner” as the justification for this policy shift, creating concerns for individuals like Maluach who are currently residing in the US on South Sudanese passports.
Impact on Duke’s Khaman Maluach
This new policy directly affects Duke University’s men’s basketball team, as their prominent starting freshman center, Khaman Maluach, is a native of South Sudan. The basketball world is watching to see how this situation unfolds for a key player in college basketball.
Duke’s Official Response
When contacted for comment, Duke University representatives informed Brendan Marks of The Athletic that they had “no comment on the situation at this time.” The university’s silence adds to the uncertainty surrounding Maluach’s status and its potential impact on the team.
Political Context and Championship Game
It’s noteworthy that Secretary Rubio is an alumnus of the University of Florida. The Florida Gators men’s basketball team secured a spot in the national championship game on Saturday night. However, the visa policy will not affect the championship game itself as Duke is no longer in contention. Duke recently suffered a defeat against Houston, losing 70-67 after relinquishing a 14-point advantage and struggling offensively in the final minutes.
Duke Blue Devils star freshman Khaman Maluach could face deportation from the USA
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the revocation of visas of people from South Sudan
Maluach (9) is from South Sudan, grew up as a refugee in Uganda, and went to school in Senegal
Uncertainty Surrounding Maluach’s Visa Status
It remains unclear whether Maluach is currently in the United States under a South Sudanese visa. It is also unknown if he possesses citizenship from another nation, which could potentially exempt him from the visa revocation policy.
State Department Rationale
The State Department’s official statement earlier in the day emphasized the urgency of the situation: “It is time for the Transitional Government of South Sudan to stop taking advantage of the United States. Enforcing our nation’s immigration laws is critically important to the national security and public safety of the United States.”
The statement further elaborated, “Every country must accept the return of its citizens in a timely manner when another country, including the United States, seeks to remove them.” This underscores the US government’s stance on the matter.
Maluach’s Background and Path to Duke
Early Life and Refugee Experience
Khaman Maluach was born in Rumbek, South Sudan, but spent his childhood as a refugee in neighboring Uganda. This challenging background shaped his early life before his basketball career took off.
Basketball Development and Professional Career
He honed his basketball skills at the NBA Academy Africa in Senegal. At the young age of 16, Maluach began his professional career with Cobra Sport in South Sudan. His talent led him to play for additional professional teams, including AS Douanes of Senegal and City Oilers of Uganda, gaining valuable experience before his collegiate career.
Recruitment to Duke University
Maluach’s impressive performances attracted attention from top college basketball programs. He ultimately chose to play for the Duke Blue Devils, declining offers from other prominent universities like UCLA, Kentucky, and Kansas. His decision to join Duke highlights his potential and the high expectations surrounding his college career.
Further Developments Expected
More updates on this developing situation are anticipated. The intersection of international politics and college sports raises significant questions about the future for Khaman Maluach and Duke University.