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What New U.S. Immigration Policies Mean for International Student-Athletes in 2025

In recent weeks, immigration decisions under the Trump administration have sparked renewed concern for international students preparing to attend college in the United States, especially student-athletes planning to begin their athletic and academic careers this summer.

Written by

Lars Blenckers

Plus31 Sports featured in The Washington Post

At Plus31 Sports, we’ve seen these concerns firsthand. With two of our athletes committed to Harvard University for the fall of 2025, and over 50 others set to join colleges across the country, families are understandably asking:

“Will these new immigration rules affect my child’s ability to play college sports in the U.S.?”

That’s why The Washington Post recently reached out to our co-founder, Lars Blenckers, to provide insight from the perspective of a college sports recruiting agency. The article, written by Jesse Dougherty, highlights how shifting immigration policies are impacting international athletes, and what organizations like ours are doing to help.

“We’ve received a lot of questions from parents and athletes over the past weeks,” Lars said. “They want clarity and reassurance. Our job is to stay ahead of these developments and make sure every family knows what to expect.”

While the policy landscape is evolving, our message to families remains clear:
1. We are staying on top of every update.
2. We are working closely with universities, visa advisors, and legal experts.
3. We are confident that opportunities in the U.S. remain strong.

We remain optimistic that all of our athletes will be able to start their American journey this summer, and we are fully committed to guiding them through every step of the process.

Want to know how this may affect your recruiting journey?
Whether you're an athlete, parent, or coach — don’t hesitate to get in touch. We're happy to discuss your situation and help you navigate the road ahead.

Read the full Washington Post article here:
Harvard, international athletes, and Trump-era immigration changes – Washington Post

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