Overview

• USCIS will treat any history of competing in women’s events as a negative factor when evaluating top-tier visa petitions
• The update enforces Executive Order 14201 by directing DHS to deny immigration benefits to male athletes seeking entry for women’s competitions
• Policy applies to O-1A, E11, E21 visas, EB-1 and EB-2 green cards, plus national interest waivers for all petitions filed or pending from August 4
• International competitors eyeing events such as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics may be barred under the new eligibility criteria
• Legal analysts anticipate challenges over constitutional protections and Title IX as sports bodies and states adjust to the unified federal stance