Overview

• USCIS announced on August 4 that it will penalize transgender women athletes who have competed in male divisions when applying for sports-related visas.
• The change affects O-1A extraordinary-ability visas, EB-1 and EB-2 green cards, and national interest waiver petitions.
• Spokesperson Matthew Tragesser said the policy closes a legal loophole that allowed transgender athletes to gain a competitive advantage in women’s sports.
• The update is the first to impose the Trump administration’s transgender sports ban through immigration, aligning with recent USOPC rules and state-level restrictions.
• Civil rights groups warn the policy discriminates against a vulnerable minority, while proponents emphasize its role in safeguarding fairness and safety in women’s competitions.