International Athletes at Arizona State Navigate Uncertainty Amid Immigration Policies
Arizona State University (ASU) has long been a hub for athletes from around the globe, with students representing six continents and competing in a wide range of sports. However, recent changes in U.S. immigration policy have created a sense of unease among many international athletes.
The announcement by former President Donald Trump regarding travel bans and restrictions on citizens from certain countries has left several ASU athletes worried about their future in the United States. For example, Taiwo Mary Kudoro, a cross country runner from Nigeria, expressed concern that her home country might be added to the list of banned nations. “It’s pretty worrisome that my visa status may be in question because I come from an African country,” she said.
The travel ban initially targeted citizens from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Visitors from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela also faced restrictions. Additionally, 36 more countries, including Nigeria, could be added unless they address specific security concerns.
Despite these challenges, ASU athletic director Graham Rossini has assured athletes that there are no current issues with keeping international students on campus. “They are Sun Devils just like the American-born athletes, and they will participate during the 2025–2026 season,” he stated.
Many of ASU’s foreign athletes come from Europe, Canada, and Australia, but those from Africa and Asia are particularly concerned about potential changes to their status. Fifa Laopakdee, a Thai athlete on the men’s golf team, shared his worries: “I came here to golf and get an education. That’s what I want to do, and I don’t want to have to potentially worry about my status.”
Even though Thailand is not currently on the restricted list, athletes from various countries feel the pressure of ongoing immigration unrest and visa revocations. Some have expressed heightened anxiety due to ICE raids and deportations in the Phoenix area. In January, a student group called College Republicans United even encouraged students to report their peers to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which led to protests on campus.
Phoenix immigration attorney Cody Hall emphasized the importance of supporting international athletes. “These students shouldn’t fear their visas being revoked,” he said. “Unfortunately, many others with similar status do not have that luxury and are subjected to deportations and visa revocations.”
Impact Beyond ASU
Concerns extend beyond ASU, with other universities also considering the implications of these policies. Jamie Boggs, athletic director at Grand Canyon University, noted that while the impact may not be as significant for smaller schools, it could still affect athletic composition. “We certainly have thought about it,” he said.
For many international athletes, the focus remains on their sport and education. LeMerian Lemashon, a Kenyan distance runner, said, “Right now, I’m focused on running. I cannot control what is going on politically. I am here to do my job.”
Mathis Bondaz, a French tennis player at ASU, echoed this sentiment. “From experience, there is already an extensive process in place to obtain a visa,” he said. “I can’t see how it could be restricted more than it already is. I don’t think that is possible.” However, he admitted that the situation makes it harder to focus solely on tennis. “You are only in control of what you came here to do, and for me, that is to play tennis. But I do worry for my teammates.”
Looking Ahead
As practices for the 2025 fall season begin for football, volleyball, cross country, soccer, and golf, many athletes remain optimistic. “There’s no point in sitting here and feeling sorry for ourselves,” Lemashon said. “We have a whole new season starting and a lot to look forward to. Always have to look at the positives.”
With Phoenix located less than 200 miles from the Mexican border, ICE raids are frequently reported. Arizona ranked fifth in ICE arrests during a five-month stretch in 2025, according to data from the Deportation Data Project. This visibility can be jarring for athletes, especially those who consider their teammates family.
Approximately 14% of ASU athletes are international students, with the percentage being even higher in tennis. International students represent 63% of NCAA men’s tennis players and 62% of women’s tennis players. Despite the challenges, ASU remains committed to its diverse student body. “That will not change regardless of the legislation that comes from Washington,” Rossini said.
Immigration lawyers across Arizona are monitoring the situation closely, with Hall stating, “We are prepared to defend athletes if it gets to that point.” Coaches, too, are aware of the challenges. Matt Hill, ASU men’s tennis coach, said, “Seven of our eight players are foreign-born. I definitely account for that. This is an issue that goes beyond our team, but I am with my players through thick and thin.”
ASU has not reported any ICE raids on campus, and the university continues to emphasize its commitment to building a respectful academic environment. “We are here to teach and learn — not to engage in self-aggrandizing conduct in order to generate as much media attention and controversy as possible,” an ASU spokesman said in a statement.
