This article is written to draw attention to the inequality between general immigration policies in comparison to those deemed to be of national interest. Specifically, this article focuses on the distinction drawn between immigration for standard purposes and immigration for professional athletes with extraordinary abilities, who were exempt from the presidential proclamations during the Coronavirus pandemic. First, this article will discuss the impact of foreign-born athletes in U.S. sports leagues. Next, it will discuss the types of visas available to these athletes. Then, the article will discuss the coronavirus pandemic and the proclamations regarding travel into the United States during the pandemic. The article will address national interest and the process and scope of authority to make a national interest exception. Finally, the legal implications of making such exceptions, as well as the legal implications of cancelling high school sporting events, will be addressed.
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