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After missing the chance to fight for the national title, a star from Duke's basketball team could face deportation due to a State Department decision regarding visa holders from South Sudan. This measure was implemented just before the heartbreaking loss to Houston in the Final Four.
Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, announced this Saturday on social media that steps are being taken to "revoke all visas of individuals with South Sudanese ports," a move that will include Duke's starting freshman center, Khaman Maluach.
Khaman Maluach could be deported
Maluach, born in South Sudan, concluded his rookie season with the Blue Devils' surprising defeat to Houston on Saturday night, alongside Cooper Flagg.
Marco Rubio stated that this measure was taken "due to the transitional government of South Sudan's refusal to accept the timely return of its repatriated citizens," meaning the African nation has not guaranteed it will accept its expelled migrants back from the United States within the required timeframe.
Maluach declined to speak with reporters after the loss
A Duke University spokesperson, Frank Tramble, is investigating to understand the player's situation and "working quickly to comprehend the implications this could have for Duke students."
Those affected by these measures
"We will provide more information and instructions to affected visa holders and applicants as soon as it becomes available," a State Department representative told USA TODAY, noting that the decision will impact "all those who hold a U.S. visa on a South Sudanese port, as well as those applying for a visa with that same port."