U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued new guidance to prevent male athletes from exploiting immigration benefits to compete in women's sports in the United States. This policy aligns with Executive Order 14201, “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” and aims to ensure fair competition for female athletes. The updated guidance clarifies eligibility for visa categories such as O-1A (aliens of extraordinary ability), E11 (aliens of extraordinary ability), E21 (aliens of exceptional ability), and National Interest Waivers (NIWs). USCIS will now grant these petitions and applications only to women, addressing past abuses where they were offered to men.
According to USCIS, a male athlete's history of competing against women will be considered a negative factor when evaluating their eligibility. The agency will not consider male athletes seeking to switch to women's sports as continuing work in their area of extraordinary ability. Additionally, USCIS asserts that allowing male athletes to compete in women's sports does not substantially benefit the United States and is not in the national interest.
"Men do not belong in women’s sports. USCIS is closing the loophole for foreign male athletes whose only chance at winning elite sports is to change their gender identity and leverage their biological advantages against women,” said USCIS Spokesperson Matthew Tragesser. “It’s a matter of safety, fairness, respect, and truth that only female athletes receive a visa to come to the U.S. to participate in women’s sports. The Trump Administration is standing up for the silent majority who've long been victims of leftist policies that defy common sense."
The guidance, found in Volumes 2 and 6 of the USCIS Policy Manual, is effective immediately and applies to benefit requests pending or filed on or after the publication date. This policy update is intended to protect all-female athletic opportunities and ensure fair competition in women’s sports.