MLB Union Advises International Players to Always Carry Immigration Documents

Key Takeaways

• MLBPA advises all foreign-born MLB players to carry immigration documents at all times starting July 15, 2025.
• New US travel bans target over 40 countries, including Cuba and Venezuela, raising deportation risks for players.
• MLBPA expanded legal support and urges players to avoid international travel unless necessary and consult lawyers.

The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) has issued a new and urgent advisory for all foreign-born MLB players as of July 2025. This update comes in response to recent changes in United States 🇺🇸 immigration enforcement and new travel restrictions under President Trump’s administration. The MLB union is now telling all international players to carry their immigration documents at all times. This policy shift affects hundreds of athletes and their families, especially those from countries facing new travel bans and increased scrutiny at U.S. borders.

Let’s break down what has changed, who is affected, what actions are required, and what these changes mean for pending and future immigration matters.

What Changed: New MLBPA Advisory and Immigration Risks

On July 15, 2025, MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark confirmed that the union is now advising all foreign-born MLB players to keep their immigration documents with them at all times. This includes both major and minor league players. The advisory is a direct response to:

• Stricter U.S. immigration enforcement at airports, stadiums, and other public places
• New travel bans and restrictions targeting over 40 countries, including Cuba 🇨🇺 and Venezuela 🇻🇪
• Increased risk of detention or deportation for international athletes, even those with valid visas or green cards

The MLB union’s message is clear: Do not leave home without your immigration documents. This is not just a suggestion—it is now a necessary step to protect players’ ability to work and stay in the United States 🇺🇸.

Who Is Affected: Foreign-Born MLB Players and Their Families

This advisory applies to all foreign-born MLB players, but it is especially important for:

• Players from Latin America: Over 220 of the 265 foreign-born players on Opening Day 2025 were from Latin American countries, with the largest groups coming from the Dominican Republic, Venezuela 🇻🇪, and Cuba 🇨🇺.
• Minor league players and prospects: Many of these athletes are in the United States 🇺🇸 on short-term or single-entry visas, making them more vulnerable to immigration problems.
• Players from “red list” countries: Those from countries under new travel bans or increased screening face the highest risk of being denied entry or re-entry to the United States 🇺🇸.

Family members who depend on the player’s immigration status may also be affected, especially if they travel internationally or encounter law enforcement.

Effective Dates and Immediate Actions Required

The MLBPA’s advisory is effective immediately as of July 15, 2025. All foreign-born MLB players should take the following steps right away:

1. Carry Your Immigration Documents at All Times
   • This includes your original or certified copy of your visa, green card, or other proof of legal status.
   • Keep these documents with you when traveling to and from games, practices, airports, hotels, and public events.
   • Do not rely on digital copies or photos—officials may require to see the original or a certified copy.
2. Avoid International Travel Unless Absolutely Necessary
   • Players from Cuba 🇨🇺, Venezuela 🇻🇪, and other affected countries are strongly advised not to leave the United States 🇺🇸 unless it is absolutely necessary.
   • Re-entry is not guaranteed, even for those with valid P-1 athlete visas.
   • If you must travel, consult with the MLBPA’s immigration attorneys before making any plans.
3. Report Any Issues Immediately
   • If you are stopped by law enforcement or immigration authorities, contact the MLBPA’s legal team right away.
   • The union has set up direct communication channels for players and their families to report problems and get help fast.
4. Consult Legal Counsel Before Making Decisions
   • Before traveling, renewing a visa, or taking any action that could affect your immigration status, talk to the MLBPA’s immigration lawyers.
   • The union has expanded its legal support team to help players and their families with any immigration-related questions or emergencies.

Background: Why This Advisory Was Issued

The Trump administration has made several changes to immigration policy in 2025 that directly impact foreign-born MLB players:

• Travel bans and restrictions: New executive orders signed in January 2025 direct the State Department to identify countries with “vetting and screening deficiencies.” The result is a growing list of countries facing travel suspensions or extra restrictions.
• Increased border scrutiny: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers now have more power to review, question, and even deny entry to visa-holding athletes at ports of entry.
• No exceptions for athletes: Immigration attorneys warn that being a professional athlete does not guarantee entry if you are from a country on the travel ban list.

These changes have created a climate of uncertainty and fear among foreign-born MLB players and their families. Even high-profile athletes with valid immigration documents are not immune to the new rules.

Recent Incidents: How the Policy Is Affecting Players

The new enforcement climate has already led to several high-profile incidents:

• In June 2025, law enforcement vehicles were seen outside Dodger Stadium. Many believed these were Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, sparking protests and panic among players and their families. The Dodgers later clarified that the agents were from CBP and not conducting immigration enforcement, but the event highlighted the anxiety felt by international players.
• In response, the Dodgers organization pledged $1 million to support families affected by immigration arrests.
• The MLBPA has increased its legal resources and set up direct lines of communication for players and families to get help quickly.

Practical Effects: What Players Must Do Differently

The MLB union’s new guidance means that foreign-born MLB players must change how they handle their immigration documents and travel plans:

• Always have your documents: Players must carry their visa, green card, or other proof of legal status at all times. This includes travel to games, practices, and public events.
• Be prepared for checks: CBP officers and other law enforcement may ask to see your documents at airports, stadiums, or even on the street.
• Limit international travel: Players from affected countries should avoid leaving the United States 🇺🇸 unless absolutely necessary. Even a short trip to Canada 🇨🇦 for a game in Toronto could result in being denied re-entry.
• Stay in touch with legal support: The MLBPA’s expanded team of immigration lawyers is available to help with any issues or questions.

Implications for Pending and Future Applications

The new enforcement environment has several important implications for pending and future immigration applications:

• Visa renewals and extensions: Players applying to renew or extend their visas may face longer wait times and more scrutiny. It is important to start the process early and work closely with legal counsel.
• Permanent residency (green card) applications: Those seeking green cards may face additional background checks or delays, especially if they are from a country on the travel ban list.
• Family members’ status: Spouses and children who depend on the player’s immigration status should also carry their documents and avoid unnecessary travel.
• No special exemptions for athletes: As of mid-July 2025, there are no special rules or exceptions for professional athletes. All foreign-born MLB players must follow the same rules as other immigrants and visitors.

Expert and Stakeholder Perspectives

Tony Clark, the MLBPA Executive Director, has emphasized the union’s commitment to protecting its members. He stated that the union is working to “equip [players] in the best position possible to get to the ballpark and keep their job.” The MLBPA has expanded its legal team and is providing more resources to help players and their families.

Immigration attorneys stress that the new travel bans and increased scrutiny at borders can affect even the most well-known athletes. One attorney explained, “Just because someone is an athlete, if there is a red list travel ban, it’s not going to get them into this country.”

Team executives are also feeling the pressure. They are working closely with legal experts to make sure their players are following the rules and to support those who run into problems. However, they admit that the situation is “complicated and challenging on multiple levels.”

Procedural Details: Step-by-Step Actions for Players

To help players and their families stay safe and avoid problems, here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Carry Documentation
   • Always have your original or certified copy of your visa, green card, or other legal status document.
   • If you have a P-1 athlete visa, keep it with you at all times. You can find more information about the P-1 visa on the USCIS official website.
   • Do not rely on digital copies or photos—officials may require to see the original or a certified copy.
2. Report Issues Immediately
   • If you are stopped or questioned by law enforcement or immigration authorities, contact the MLBPA’s legal team right away.
   • Use the direct communication channels set up by the union for fast help.
3. Avoid International Travel
   • Unless it is absolutely necessary, do not leave the United States 🇺🇸 if you are from a country on the travel ban list.
   • If you must travel, consult with the MLBPA’s immigration attorneys before making any plans.
4. Consult Legal Counsel
   • Before making any decisions about travel, visa renewals, or other immigration matters, talk to the MLBPA’s immigration lawyers.
   • The union has expanded its legal support team to help with any questions or emergencies.

Future Outlook: What to Expect Next

The Trump administration’s travel bans and immigration policies are expected to stay in place through at least the end of 2025. There may be further expansions to include more countries. MLB, the MLBPA, and some members of Congress are pushing for special rules or exemptions for professional athletes, but as of July 2025, no such exceptions have been granted.

The situation is still changing, and more policy updates or legal challenges could happen in the coming months. Players and their families should stay in close contact with the MLBPA and check for updates regularly.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

• MLBPA Legal Support: Players can contact the MLBPA’s immigration counsel directly through the union’s official channels for help with any immigration issue.
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): For official information about visas, green cards, and immigration status, visit the USCIS website.
• MLBPA Website: For the latest updates, advisories, and contact information for legal assistance.

Summary of Key Points and Next Steps

• All foreign-born MLB players must carry their immigration documents at all times.
• Travel bans and increased enforcement are creating new risks, especially for players from Cuba 🇨🇺 and Venezuela 🇻🇪.
• The MLB union has expanded legal support and is keeping communication open with affected players and their families.
• International travel is strongly discouraged for players from affected countries.
• There are no special exemptions for athletes—everyone must follow the same rules.
• The situation is evolving, so stay informed and consult legal counsel before making any decisions.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes mark a major shift in how foreign-born MLB players must manage their immigration status. The MLB union’s new guidance is designed to protect players’ careers and families in a time of increased uncertainty. By following these steps and staying in close contact with legal support, players can reduce their risk and focus on their game.

For more information about immigration documents, visa requirements, and official forms, always refer to the USCIS official website. If you have questions about your specific situation, contact the MLBPA’s legal team or a qualified immigration attorney right away.

Actionable Takeaways for Players and Families

• Check your immigration documents today and make sure you have the originals or certified copies ready to carry with you.
• Avoid unnecessary travel outside the United States 🇺🇸, especially if you are from a country on the travel ban list.
• Keep the MLBPA’s legal support contact information handy in case you need help quickly.
• Stay informed by checking official updates from the MLBPA and USCIS.
• Talk to a legal expert before making any decisions that could affect your immigration status.

By taking these steps, foreign-born MLB players and their families can better protect themselves during this period of increased immigration enforcement and policy change.

Learn Today

MLBPA → Major League Baseball Players Association, the union representing professional MLB players’ interests and rights.
P-1 Visa → A non-immigrant visa for internationally recognized athletes to work and compete in the United States.
Green Card → A document granting permanent residency and legal work authorization in the United States.
Travel Ban → Government-imposed restrictions prohibiting entry from certain countries, affecting visa holders and travelers.
CBP → U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the federal agency enforcing immigration laws at borders and ports of entry.

This Article in a Nutshell

MLBPA warns foreign-born players to always carry legal immigration documents due to new US travel bans and stricter enforcement. Players from Cuba and Venezuela face highest risks. The union expanded legal support and advises avoiding travel without consultation to protect their careers and families amid increased scrutiny.
— By VisaVerge.com