NWSL players declined international calls amid Trump-related travel concerns | OneFootball

While the strength of American players is the foundation of the NWSL, the league is also a premier destination for lots of top international talent, particularly from nations that don't have their own strong domestic leagues.

Normally, most of those internationals would gladly answer calls from their national teams during international breaks like the one NWSL observed over the weekend of April 5-6.

This time, however, the break highlighted concerns over President Donald Trump administration's enforcement of U.S. immigration policies, with some players declining call-ups to stay in the U.S. with their club sides.

Zambia quartet scratched for China trip

Zambia removed four of their NWSL players from the national team “due to concerns about the Trump Administration’s immigration policy," in reference to a significant rise in reports of citizens and permanent residents being temporarily detained upon re-entry to the country.

Part of Zambia's concern came from the fact it was playing in China, which has been a primary target of the Trump administration's Tariff program. While players like Orlando's Barbra Banda stayed with their clubs this time, the expectation is that she and others will be available for future windows when matches are played elsewhere.

Other examples abound

Additionally, in the recent pregame press conference for NJ/NY Gotham FC, head coach Juan Carlos Amorós alluded that Stella Nyameke did not leave on international duty with Ghana due to a mix of reasons that included travel concerns. Nyamekye previously missed most of the preseason due to visa-related issues.

And ESPN reported that Portland Thorns forward Deyna Castellanos did not travel to Venezuela to represent her national team. Her agent said it was due to questions surrounding the recent travel restrictions.

What's causing the apprehension?

So, why are some national teams and NWSL sides acting with newfound caution? The answer is in news reports of individuals with valid tourist or work visas encountering issues at border crossing for unclear reasons.

One example includes a French scientist, who was not named, who was allegedly detained at the border in Texas and refused entry due to items found on his phone. Another was an Australian man named Jonathan, who lived in the US for about five years but was detained on his return from his home country. Per the Guardian, the man was told he did not have the proper visa when he said he had a valid work visa that was still good for over a year and had traveled many times.

The big picture

To be clear, visa issues for international players have existed in previous presidential eras as well. During president Joe Biden's administration, men's Haitian club Violette AC had to play Leg 2 of their Concacaf Champions League series at Austin FC without multiple players who were unable to acquire the temporary visas required.

But reports of such instances have become more frequent in the months since Trump's inauguration in January. Until that changes, the league has no choice but to pay close attention to the evolving situation.