Recent policy changes under the Trump administration have raised concerns about the potential deportation of NCAA athletes who are international students.
On January 29, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at combating antisemitism, which includes provisions to cancel visas and deport non-citizen students who are deemed to “endorse or espouse terrorist activity.”
This executive order has been interpreted to target international students participating in pro-Palestinian demonstrations on college campuses. The Council on American-Islamic Relations has criticized the move, accusing the administration of smearing students who oppose actions in Gaza.
Additionally, the acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security recently rescinded guidance that previously prevented immigration enforcement actions at sensitive locations, including schools and colleges.
This change empowers immigration authorities to conduct arrests on campuses, potentially affecting international students, including NCAA athletes.
While the executive order and policy changes do not specifically target NCAA athletes, international student-athletes who engage in political activities or are perceived to violate the terms of their visas could face increased scrutiny and potential deportation.
Universities and athletic departments are advised to stay informed about these developments and provide guidance to their international student-athletes to ensure compliance with visa regulations and awareness of the potential risks associated with political activities.