Duke Basketball Star Faces Deportation Under New Trump Policy
Khaman Maluach, a freshman center for Duke University’s basketball team, is facing the possibility of deportation due to a recent policy change by the U.S. State Department, which could significantly impact his future at the university. Maluach, originally from South Sudan, is among the individuals affected by a new immigration policy that revokes visas for South Sudanese nationals. This policy, part of a broader immigration crackdown under the Trump administration, comes in response to South Sudan’s failure to accept repatriated citizens in a timely manner, leading the U.S. government to take action against those holding South Sudanese passports.
The announcement of this policy shift adds a layer of complexity to what is already a challenging time for Maluach and the Duke basketball team. The Blue Devils were recently knocked out of the NCAA Tournament after a heartbreaking loss to Houston in the Final Four, and the situation surrounding Maluach’s potential deportation has only added to the emotional toll. While he did not make any public statements after the game, the possibility of being separated from his team and his college career has weighed heavily on his situation.
Maluach, who moved to the United States at a young age, has become a promising player for Duke, showing significant potential as a freshman. His talent on the court has made him a key part of the team’s lineup. However, his standing as an international student-athlete now faces uncertainty due to this new policy. The Trump administration’s immigration policies, particularly those targeting individuals from certain countries, have previously led to complex challenges for athletes in various sports. Maluach’s situation reflects the broader intersection of sports, immigration, and international relations, which has created hurdles for student-athletes and professionals alike.
The University itself is already addressing the issue, with Duke officials working to understand the full implications of the new policy. They are reportedly committed to exploring all options to ensure that Maluach’s educational and athletic career is not interrupted. As of now, the university is in discussions with immigration attorneys and government officials to clarify what steps need to be taken to assist Maluach in maintaining his visa status and staying in the country.
This is not the first time that immigration policies have interfered with athletes’ careers. In 2017, for example, American basketball players Joseph Jones and J.P. Prince were stranded in Dubai after Iran responded to a U.S. travel ban by barring American citizens from entry. Similarly, British-born NBA player Luol Deng, also of South Sudanese descent, expressed concerns in the past about the impact of U.S. immigration policies on refugees and migrants, emphasizing the importance of humanizing the experience of others.
Maluach’s potential deportation is a stark reminder of the challenges international student-athletes face in the U.S. These athletes often navigate not only the pressures of their academic and athletic responsibilities but also the complex legal landscape that governs their ability to stay in the country. The policy shift affecting Maluach adds another layer of difficulty to an already precarious situation for many international athletes.
As Duke and Maluach seek to address this issue, the broader discussion surrounding the intersection of immigration policy and college sports is likely to continue. For now, all eyes will be on how Duke handles this situation and whether they can help secure Maluach’s future in the U.S., allowing him to continue his education and basketball career.
