Overview

• The guidance bars transgender women from obtaining extraordinary ability visas and national interest waivers to compete in US women’s sports.
• It stipulates that male athletes seeking to compete against women “do not substantially benefit the United States,” affecting national interest waivers and labor certification.
• USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser said the policy closes a loophole that allowed foreign male athletes to change gender identity for a competitive edge in women’s events.
• In July, the USOPC and several national federations updated their eligibility rules to align with President Trump’s sports order by enforcing birth-gender criteria.
• Critics contend the policy is discriminatory and likely to trigger Title IX and constitutional challenges, and it contrasts with the IOC’s more inclusive standards ahead of the 2028 Olympics.