Republicans introduced a bicameral bill Monday to limit the number of international students who can compete in varsity college sports.
If passed, the TEAM USA Act—sponsored by House education committee chair Tim Walberg of Michigan and Senate education committee member Jon Husted of Ohio—would mandate that international athletes make up no more than 20 percent of any given varsity team roster or the institution could lose access to federal student aid. In the case of a team with fewer than 10 athletes, only 1 may be a non-U.S. citizen. The law would take effect on July 1, 2029.
In an email to Inside Higher Ed, a Walberg spokesperson said that the number of international students receiving athletic scholarships has nearly tripled since 2001; in some Division I sports, they now make up more than 60 percent of participants.