USCIS Tightens Visa Rules for Transgender Athletes

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a significant update to immigration policy on Monday, limiting visa eligibility for transgender women seeking to compete in women's sports. This policy revision positions the fact that a male athlete has been competing against women as a negative aspect during visa evaluations.

According to USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser, the decision aims to close a loophole that reportedly allowed foreign male athletes to gain an advantage in women's sports by changing their gender identity. He emphasized that this is about ensuring safety, fairness, and respect in women's athletics.

The policy change is in line with the Trump administration's stance on transgender participation in sports and follows similar regulatory measures enacted at the state level. Last month, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee revised its policies to conform to an executive order prohibiting transgender women from competing against female athletes.

(With inputs from agencies.)