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USCIS rules that Saluja Law's Client, a Foreign Student College Athlete, is Eligible to Earn Money from his Name, Image & Likeness

March 2024

On March 22, 2024, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services has ruled in favor of a foreign national student athlete[1], an exceptionally talented collegiate basketball player, represented by Saluja Law Offices, in his pursuit to receive compensation based on his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights.

The foreign student athlete, a distinguished athlete whose exceptional skills garnered widespread attention and admiration, found himself in a predicament due to his F-1 student visa status, which rendered him ineligible to avail himself of lucrative Name, Image, and Likeness contracts offered by various companies.

Saluja Law Offices, renowned for its expertise in immigration law and adept legal strategies, took on the case with determination to secure justice for their client. Through rigorous legal arguments and meticulous advocacy, the legal team successfully challenged the existing regulatory framework that prevented F-1 visa holders from capitalizing on their NIL rights.

USCIS, after careful consideration of the evidence presented and the compelling legal arguments advanced by Saluja Law Offices, rendered a favorable decision. It recognized that depriving individuals the foreign national of the opportunity to benefit from their NIL rights not only hindered their economic prospects but also undermined the principles of fairness and equality.

USCIS' ruling establishes a precedent that F-1 visa holders, particularly exceptional athletes contributing significantly to the cultural and economic landscape of the United States, are entitled to fair compensation for their Name, Image, and Likeness rights. This decision marks a significant victory not only for our foreign national but also for countless other talented individuals facing similar challenges.

As a result of this decision, the foreign national can now fully capitalize on his remarkable talent and popularity, entering into lucrative NIL contracts with companies eager to associate themselves with his brand. This outcome not only secures the foreign national's financial future but also paves the way for greater recognition and empowerment of athletes and other talented individuals on F-1 visas across the nation.

In conclusion, USCIS' decision represents a triumph of justice and fairness, affirming the rights of F-1 visa holders to participate in the burgeoning NIL marketplace. Saluja Law Offices' unwavering commitment to their client's cause has not only secured a favorable outcome in this case but has also made a lasting impact on the legal landscape, ensuring that talented individuals like the foreign student athlete are no longer denied the opportunity to benefit from their hard-earned achievements.



[1] Foreign National's name has been withheld.

Practice area(s): Immigration

Paul Saluja

Paul Saluja is a distinguished legal professional with over two decades of experience serving clients across a spectrum of legal domains. Graduating from West Virginia State University in 1988 with a bachelor's degree in chemistry, he continued his academic journey at Ohio Northern University, gr...

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Specializing in Immigration and Business Law on an international scale, Saluja Law Offices PLLC operates out of West Virginia and handles Family law cases within the local community.

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