U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated its immigration policy to restrict visa eligibility for transgender women seeking to compete in women’s sports. The change affects categories such as O-1A visas for individuals with extraordinary ability and EB-1 and EB-2 green cards for highly skilled workers.
Idman.biz, citing Reuters, reports that USCIS will now consider “the fact that a male athlete has been competing against women” as a negative factor when reviewing petitions. Spokesperson Matthew Tragesser stated the move aims to “close the loophole” and ensure fairness and safety in women’s sports.
The policy aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader efforts to regulate transgender participation in athletics. In February, Trump signed the “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” executive order, and last month, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee updated its rules accordingly.
Critics argue the policy targets a vulnerable minority, while supporters claim it protects women’s sports integrity.
Idman.biz
