Duke 'looking into' how state department ruling on South Sudan passport holders could impact projected NBA lottery pick
SAN ANTONIO — A standout Duke basketball player and projected NBA lottery draft pick could be at risk of deportation as a result of a state department ruling announced hours before the Blue Devils' Final Four loss to Houston on Saturday night.
The United States is revoking all visas for South Sudanese passport holders, effective immediately, and blocking new arrivals, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement posted to X. Rubio cited the African nation's refusal to accept the return of its nationals expelled from the U.S. "in a timely manner" as the rationale for his decision.
Duke freshman Khaman Maluach is a native of South Sudan who played for that country's Olympic team last summer. The 7-foot-2 center spent much of his childhood in Uganda after his family fled war-ravaged South Sudan when he was a boy.
Maluach was not made available to reporters during Duke's media availability after Saturday night's game. When asked about Maluach's immigration status, Duke University spokesman Frank Tramble released a brief statement confirming the school is "aware of the announcement from the Department of State regarding visa holders from South Sudan."
https://sports.yahoo.com/college-basketball/article/duke-looking-into-how-state-department-ruling-on-south-sudan-passport-holders-could-impact-projected-nba-lottery-pick-khaman-maluach-185915957.html
= new reply since forum marked as read
Kick in to the DU tip jar?
This week we're running a special pop-up mini fund drive. From Monday through Friday we're going ad-free for all registered members, and we're asking you to kick in to the DU tip jar to support the site and keep us financially healthy.
As a bonus, making a contribution will allow you to leave kudos for another DU member, and at the end of the week we'll recognize the DUers who you think make this community great.