Last-Tear Poa’s Fight for P-1A Visa
LSU basketball player Last-Tear Poa’s fight for a P-1A Athlete visa highlights the visa and NIL complications faced by international student-athletes. Poa, originally from Melbourne, Australia, is challenging the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) denial of her1 visa application, despite her contributions to LSU’s national championship win.
According to the USCIS website, there are four ways to qualify for a P-1A visa. However, the regulations surrounding F-1 student visas create hurdles for athletes like Poa, as these visas restrict employment, limiting opportunities for NIL activations.
A Legal Battle for a Basketball Star
LSU women’s basketball player Last-Tear Poa has filed a lawsuit against U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) after being denied a P-1A Athlete visa. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana and reported by On3, challenges USCIS’s decision. Poa, originally from Melbourne, Australia, was instrumental in helping LSU win its first national championship in the 2022-23 season. Her case highlights the struggles faced by international athletes trying to navigate U.S. immigration laws.
Decoding the P-1A Athlete Visa
The P-1A Athlete visa is meant for athletes at an internationally recognized level. According to USCIS, there are four ways to qualify: being a high-level individual athlete, part of a renowned team, a professional athlete, or an athlete with a US based team affiliated with a foreign league. Despite Poa’s accomplishments, her application failed to meet these criteria.
Understanding the P-1A Athlete Visa Requirements
The USCIS outlines four pathways for athletes to qualify for a P-1A visa:
- Being an individual athlete recognized internationally for their performance.
- Being part of a team that is recognized internationally.
- Competing as a professional athlete.
- Being an athlete or coach with a U.S.-based team affiliated with a foreign league or association.
Caught in the Web of F-1 Visa Restrictions
Poa’s story is particularly significant given the challenges that come with holding an F-1 student visa. Like many international student-athletes, she resides in the U.S. under this visa, which places strict limitations on employment. F-1 visa regulations prohibit non-work-study employment and restrict active participation in name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals. This means that, while domestic athletes can engage freely in NIL activities, F-1 students can only benefit from passive NIL arrangements, like licensing their name for merchandise.
The Inequity in NIL Opportunities
The emergence of NIL opportunities since 2021 has created a stark divide between domestic and international athletes. While U.S. athletes can fully capitalize on endorsement deals and other financial opportunities, international players face restrictions that hinder their potential. Poa’s legal battle sheds light on this inequity, showing the significant disadvantages faced by foreign athletes in the evolving landscape of college sports.
A Case That Could Change the Game
Poa’s fight with USCIS is more than a visa issue; it raises important questions about fairness, immigration policy, and the future of international athletes in NCAA sports. Her case could set a precedent, sparking discussions on how to better support global talent in collegiate athletics.
