About a month ago, we reported that the #FreeLeffen petition had reached its target signature count. As promised, an official response was received, though the message was not what was hoped for or expected by petitioners.
The White House essentially declined to act, citing the site’s Terms of Participation in refusing to act against the jurisdictions of existing federal departments. They did, however, advise petitioners on more appropriate avenues to address this and any future similar cases. Check out their full response below:
Thank you for using the We the People platform. On May 23, a petition you signed on eSports reached 100,000 signatures, which is the threshold for receiving a White House response.
The P-1 nonimmigrant visa classification allows individuals to come to the United States temporarily to perform at a specific athletic competition as an athlete, individually or as part of a group or team, at an internationally recognized level of performance. You raised questions about a specific Super Smash Bros. Melee player and his P-1 visa application. Consistent with the We the People Terms of Participation, we decline to address such matters that are properly within the jurisdiction of federal departments or agencies — in this case, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
However, we do want to provide more information about the broader issue you raised.
According to USCIS, the agency responsible for processing P-1 visa applications, there is no current policy categorically precluding an eSport from being recognized as a qualifying athletic competition. In fact, USCIS has approved P-1 visa petitions for athletes seeking to enter the United States to compete in eSport events.
It’s important to remember that every case, regardless of what sport it involves, is different and is reviewed on its own merits. USCIS may request additional information when there is not enough documentation or evidence to establish eligibility for the requested classification. Given this case-by-case adjudication, a particular denial or approval does not necessarily represent a broader policy interpretation or change.
You can find more information on the P-1 visa process on the USCIS website. Individuals who have issues about particular cases can also contact the DHS Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman. The Ombudsman helps to provide impartial and independent perspectives in an attempt to address issues related to pending cases. Learn more about the Ombudsman.
Thanks again for using the We the People platform.
— We the People Team
Source: The White House
