State Department Ruling on South Sudan Could Impact Duke’s Khaman Maluach
A recent decision by the U.S. State Department could have significant implications for individuals with ties to South Sudan, including Duke University basketball player Khaman Maluach. On April 5, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders would be revoked due to the country’s refusal to accept the repatriation of its citizens residing in the U.S. without legal authorization. While the ruling primarily affects South Sudanese nationals in the U.S., it raises questions about how it could impact individuals with South Sudanese heritage, particularly those like Maluach who have a close relationship with both the U.S. and South Sudan.
Maluach, a prominent basketball player for Duke University, has represented the South Sudanese national basketball team and is part of a growing number of athletes who carry the legacy of South Sudan. His background is a testament to the nation’s complex and often turbulent history, and his journey to becoming a student-athlete at a prestigious university like Duke has been a story of resilience. However, with this recent visa ruling, there are concerns about the broader implications for South Sudanese nationals, including those like Maluach who may need to navigate travel restrictions, family reunifications, and broader immigration challenges.
The Ruling’s Impact on South Sudanese Nationals
The U.S. State Department’s decision stems from South Sudan’s failure to cooperate with the U.S. government’s efforts to repatriate citizens who are living in the country without proper authorization. As part of the 1996 Immigration and Nationality Act, the U.S. requires countries to accept the return of their nationals when they are deported or otherwise removed from the U.S. South Sudan’s refusal to comply with this policy led to the decision to revoke all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders.
This action directly impacts many individuals, particularly those who have been in the U.S. on work, student, or tourist visas. South Sudanese nationals who are in the U.S. legally may face challenges in renewing their visas or entering the country in the future. While Maluach himself is not the target of this ruling, as he is currently studying and playing basketball in the U.S., the broader impact of this decision could affect his family, friends, and even future plans if he seeks to travel internationally or pursue professional opportunities in the future.
Potential Challenges for Maluach
While the ruling primarily targets individuals residing in the U.S., there are indirect consequences that may impact South Sudanese nationals like Maluach. For example, Maluach’s family members in South Sudan, or those planning to visit him in the U.S., may find themselves unable to obtain visas under the new restrictions. These visa complications could also disrupt Maluach’s potential ability to travel back home or interact with family members who may need to visit him for significant events like graduation or professional milestones.
Furthermore, South Sudan has a burgeoning basketball culture, and athletes like Maluach play an important role in bridging the gap between South Sudan and the international sports community. Maluach, who has represented South Sudan in international competitions, might face additional hurdles if he were to be called upon for future events that require travel to or from the U.S. These restrictions could impact not only personal travel plans but also the ability to engage in sporting diplomacy or representation of his country on the global stage.
Looking Ahead
As the political and diplomatic landscape continues to evolve, the long-term consequences of the State Department’s ruling are yet to be fully understood. While this measure is designed to encourage compliance from South Sudan, it is crucial for athletes like Khaman Maluach and others in the diaspora to remain vigilant. While it is uncertain how the situation will unfold, this decision highlights the complexity of navigating personal, academic, and professional ambitions against a backdrop of shifting international relations.
For now, Maluach’s focus remains on his basketball career at Duke, but with the looming effects of this visa ruling, he and other South Sudanese nationals may face uncertain times as the ripple effects of this diplomatic decision play out in the coming months and years.
