Basketball Star Khaman Maluach Drafted Into NBA Despite Trump Administration Revoking South Sudanese Visas

June 26, 2025 by in Sports with 0 Comments

Basketball Star Khaman Maluach Drafted Into NBA Despite Trump Administration Revoking South Sudanese Visas

Khaman Maluach’s NBA dreams are still alive, but not without some drama tied to President Trump.

The South Sudanese basketball star was picked No. 10 overall by the Phoenix Suns during the 2025 NBA Draft. However, in April, the Trump administration announced that all U.S. visas held by South Sudanese passport holders would be revoked, raising concerns about Maluach’s ability to stay in the country.

Before arriving at Duke, Maluach trained at the NBA Africa Academy and eventually came to the U.S. on a student visa. After his final college season, the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders program helped him obtain a business-tourist visa so he could attend the NBA Combine.

Now that he is officially in the league, Maluach will need a P-1 work visa, which allows international athletes to temporarily live and compete in the U.S. The process could be challenging under the current policy.

Still, NBA officials are optimistic. “We give people an opportunity that wouldn’t have it otherwise,” said NBA executive Troy Justice.

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Authored by: Aaron Keenan

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