USCIS Bars Transgender Women Athletes from Competing in Women's Sports

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently updated its immigration policy to restrict the visa eligibility of transgender women aiming to compete in women's sports. This policy change supports Executive Order 14201, titled "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports," which mandates the Department of Homeland Security to formulate measures stopping male athletes from participating in women's sports events.

The USCIS clarified its stance on visa eligibility for specific categories, namely O-1A aliens of extraordinary ability, E11 aliens of extraordinary ability, E21 aliens of exceptional ability, and national interest waivers (NIWs). This decision is intended to ensure equitable opportunities for women's athletics in the US. USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser stated, "Men do not belong in women's sports," emphasizing that visa grants should exclusively support female athletes.

USCIS further emphasized that it will actively safeguard female athletic opportunities by permitting related petitions only for women, countering past abuses aimed at male athletes. The updated policy considers male athletes competing against women as a detrimental factor in eligibility evaluations. The policy is now in effect, superseding any prior guidance, following its publication date. The Trump administration backs this move to ensure the protection of women and girls' sporting opportunities in American sports culture.

(With inputs from agencies.)