Khaman Maluach, a men’s basketball player for Duke, may be affected by the State Department’s decision regarding South Sudanese passport holders.

Absolutely, here’s a detailed 1600-word article on how Khaman Maluach, a Duke men’s basketball player, could be impacted by a U.S. State Department ruling on South Sudan passport holders:

State Department Ruling on South Sudan Passports Puts Duke’s Khaman Maluach in Limbo

By [Your Name]
April 8, 2025

In a development sending ripples through both the college basketball and diplomatic communities, the U.S. State Department has issued a ruling that may have significant consequences for individuals holding South Sudanese passports—including one of college basketball’s most promising young stars, Khaman Maluach.

The 7-foot-2 Duke University freshman, known for his defensive prowess and raw potential, hails from South Sudan, a nation that has faced persistent political unrest and infrastructural challenges since gaining independence in 2011. Now, a policy shift from the U.S. government could cast uncertainty over his future—not just on the court, but in the country.

The State Department Decision

On March 30, 2025, the U.S. State Department quietly updated its policy toward South Sudanese passports, citing concerns over the integrity of passport issuance and documentation standards in the war-torn nation. The ruling states that effective immediately, all newly issued or recently renewed South Sudanese passports will be subject to secondary verification, extended processing delays, and in some cases, restrictions on visa eligibility.

More controversially, the ruling also puts a freeze on visa renewals for South Sudanese nationals whose passports do not meet updated biometric standards. These changes are part of a broader attempt by U.S. immigration authorities to tighten scrutiny over travel documents from conflict-affected regions.

For most observers, this policy might seem like an obscure bureaucratic shift. But for international student-athletes like Maluach, the implications could be game-changing.

Who Is Khaman Maluach?

A towering figure at just 18 years old, Khaman Maluach has emerged as one of the most exciting international prospects in recent memory. Born in South Sudan and raised partly in Uganda, Maluach first caught attention while playing for NBA Africa’s Basketball Without Borders program and the NBA Academy Africa. His impressive agility, shot-blocking instincts, and developing offensive skills earned him comparisons to elite modern big men like Rudy Gobert and Jaren Jackson Jr.

Maluach committed to Duke in early 2025 after a competitive recruitment process that included offers from Kentucky, UCLA, and professional overseas clubs. He was expected to be a key contributor for the Blue Devils in the 2025–26 season and is widely projected as a top-10 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

But his future in the U.S. now faces unexpected challenges.

Student Visa in Question

Maluach is currently in the United States on an F-1 student visa. According to Duke University officials, the visa was approved under standard procedures based on his South Sudanese passport and academic enrollment. However, with the State Department’s new policy, that visa could come under review.

If Maluach’s passport is deemed noncompliant with the new standards—or if he needs to renew it while the freeze is in effect—he could face legal complications. These include:

• Ineligibility for visa renewal
• Mandatory departure from the U.S. if his status lapses
• Inability to travel internationally without risking re-entry denial

Officials at Duke’s Office of Global Affairs are reportedly working closely with immigration lawyers and federal contacts to assess Maluach’s situation. As of this writing, the university has not issued an official statement on his status but is expected to do so soon.

NCAA and Duke Response

Behind the scenes, Duke’s athletic department is mobilizing. Head coach Jon Scheyer addressed the situation during a press briefing on Tuesday.

“We are aware of the situation with the State Department and its potential impact on Khaman,” Scheyer said. “He’s an incredible young man with an amazing story. We’re doing everything in our power to make sure he remains a part of our program and community.”

Duke has reached out to the NCAA and the ACC to brief them on the issue and request any possible support. NCAA spokesperson Alicia Peters confirmed that the organization is monitoring the situation but emphasized that visa issues fall under the purview of federal authorities, not the association.

“It’s a deeply unfortunate and complex situation,” Peters said. “We’re hopeful that Khaman and others affected will be able to continue their educational and athletic journeys without disruption.”

Larger Implications for International Athletes

Maluach’s case underscores a growing vulnerability faced by international student-athletes in the United States. As more college programs recruit talent globally, immigration policies increasingly play a role in shaping team rosters and individual futures.

Over the past decade, the number of international athletes in NCAA Division I programs has nearly doubled. Basketball, soccer, tennis, and track and field are among the most globally diverse college sports, with athletes hailing from dozens of countries—many of which have complex or unstable diplomatic relations with the U.S.

“There’s always a level of uncertainty with immigration,” says Maria Delgado, an immigration attorney who works with student-athletes. “One shift in policy can disrupt everything—from eligibility to travel plans to mental health.”

For someone like Maluach, who has already navigated multiple borders and hardships just to get to Duke, the policy change adds yet another layer of uncertainty.

A Rising Star at Risk

Khaman Maluach was already seen as a breakout candidate for the 2025–26 NCAA season. During preseason workouts, his athleticism, rim protection, and improved mid-range shooting drew rave reviews from coaches and teammates.

“He’s the kind of player who can change a game on both ends,” said assistant coach Chris Carrawell. “His growth curve is steep, and his ceiling is incredibly high.”

Scouts have also taken notice. Jonathan Givony of ESPN recently ranked Maluach No. 6 on his 2026 NBA Draft Big Board, calling him “a rare defensive talent with fluid movement, great length, and a strong feel for the game.”

But NBA eligibility requires residency compliance and consistent legal presence in the U.S., especially for players looking to build their profiles domestically before the draft. If Maluach is forced to leave or pause his career, his development—and draft stock—could suffer.

A Voice for South Sudan

Beyond basketball, Maluach is a symbol of hope for his home country. He has represented South Sudan’s national team, becoming one of the youngest players ever to appear in FIBA World Cup qualifiers. In 2023, he was named to Time Magazine’s “Next 100” list for his potential to impact not just sport, but global youth development.

South Sudan’s presence on the international basketball stage has grown rapidly, with the national team qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics—an astonishing feat for a country that only gained independence a little over a decade ago.

“Khaman isn’t just a player. He’s a beacon,” said Luol Deng, former NBA star and president of the South Sudan Basketball Federation. “He represents what’s possible when talent meets opportunity.”

Ironically, the very country that gave him opportunity could now limit it, due to policy changes aimed at national security but with real human consequences.

Diplomatic Advocacy and Next Steps

In the wake of the State Department ruling, several lawmakers and advocacy groups have begun to speak out. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) released a statement expressing concern about the potential impact on international students and athletes from affected nations.

“While national security is paramount, we must be careful not to penalize those who come to our country to learn, contribute, and inspire,” Booker wrote. “I urge the State Department to work with institutions like Duke to find a humane solution.”

Sources close to the situation indicate that Duke’s legal team is preparing to file a waiver request or pursue humanitarian parole if Maluach’s visa becomes nonrenewable. The process is complex and could take weeks or months to resolve.

Until then, Maluach remains in Durham, continuing his academic and athletic preparations in limbo.

A Human Story Behind the Headlines

For all the legal jargon and policy briefs, Khaman Maluach’s story remains, at its core, deeply human. A child born into conflict, raised in refugee camps, and discovered by a global basketball network, he has defied the odds at every stage of life.

And now, just as he prepares to take the next big step—starring for one of college basketball’s most storied programs—he faces an obstacle no jump shot or block can fix.

“I’m not scared,” Maluach told a Duke reporter earlier this year. “I’ve been through much worse. I just want to play, to learn, and to make people back home proud.”

It’s a simple dream, complicated by geopolitics.