Recent changes in U.S. student visa policy are causing anxiety among college coaches and international athletes, who fear that delays in visa interviews could impact their plans for the upcoming season. The State Department has halted scheduling for new student visa applicants, which may not cause immediate issues but could significantly hinder athletes’ ability to reach campuses on time as summer progresses. Coaches warn that prolonged pauses could leave up to 25% of their rosters unable to compete. Consequently, teams are left in a precarious position regarding recruitment and roster management for the season ahead.
College coaches and international athletes are stuck in an unnerving limbo, saying they're unsure how to plan for recent changes in U.S. student visa policy that could potentially wreak havoc on their rosters this year.
The State Department confirmed it has stopped scheduling interviews for new student visa applicants. A brief pause would not cause problems for most college sports teams -- according to coaches and other specialists who spoke to ESPN -- but if the pause stretches late into the summer, it could severely impact some athletes' ability to reach campus in time to play in their upcoming season.
Some coaches told ESPN that as much as a quarter of their roster might not be allowed to enter the country this fall if the pause persists.
It decimates our roster,
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