Charleston Leader

In a recent plea to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a group of U.S. Senators, including Shelley Moore Capito, Richard Blumenthal, Pete Ricketts, and Chris Murphy, urged the department to uphold its promise of safeguarding the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights of international college athletes. The senators emphasized the importance of international athletes being able to exercise their NIL rights without jeopardizing their student status in American colleges.

Highlighting the urgency of the matter, the senators expressed their disappointment in the delay of DHS action despite previous commitments. They voiced their concerns in a letter addressed to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, stating, "Last year, in Senate oversight hearings and in response to a previous letter requesting guidance and rulemaking, you committed to moving as quickly as you can on providing these important protections for foreign college athletes. Unfortunately, despite that commitment to move quickly, DHS still has not updated its rules a year later."

The senators outlined the consequences of the delay, noting that international students have been left without legal protections or clarity for another year. This lack of guidance has forced star athletes to decline opportunities, navigate complex visa requirements, or contemplate leaving their educational pursuits.

The senators' call for action stems from the desire to align DHS regulations with recent changes in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) policies, allowing college athletes, including international students, to capitalize on their NIL. The full text of the letter to Secretary Mayorkas can be accessed for further details on the senators' plea.

The senators' collective effort underscores the need for DHS to prioritize the protection of international college athletes' NIL opportunities, ensuring that these individuals can fully engage in the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics without unnecessary barriers or uncertainties.