Last-Tear Poa lawsuit: Why is the LSU star suing US Citizenship and Immigration Services?

LSU women's basketball star Last-Tear Poa has filed a lawsuit against the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Poa is a senior point guard from Melbourne, Australia and is challenging USCIS's denial of her P-1A Athlete application, a visa typically awarded to internationally recognized athletes.

Last-Tear Poa's lawsuit

According to reports from On3, her request was denied because USCIS didn’t recognize her future events as "internationally recognized." She transferred to LSU from Northwest Florida State College in 2023 and is on an F-1 student visa, which limits her ability to participate in paid opportunities.

Like many international athletes, Poa is facing challenges regarding name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, which have become critical to collegiate athletes in the US. However, US immigration rules restrict F-1 visa holders from employment, including most NIL deals.

This has led Poa to explore other avenues to maintain her eligibility and capitalize on NIL opportunities.

Poa had moderate averages last season, including 4.9 points per game, but her presence on defense is undeniable to coach Kim Mulkey’s playing style. She has a knack for drawing charges. This legal battle will determine how Last-Tear Poa can navigate NIL deals while contributing to LSU’s squad.

Last-Tear Poa draws compliments from Flau'Jae Johnson

LSU’s Flau'jae Johnson was all praises for teammate Last-Tear Poa on the latest episode of her "Best of Both Worlds" podcast. Johnson has been a charismatic presence on the court and off for the Lady Tigers. She took a moment on her podcast to share what makes Poa, a junior from Melbourne, a special teammate.

"Poa is like the nicest person, and it’s like all the time,” Johnson laughed. Johnson even tried Poa’s Australian accent. “She’s one of those friends who’s always like, ‘I love you so much." [01:42]

Her words drew laughs from another teammate - Mikayla Williams, who also agreed that Poa has a positive vibe around herself.

Johnson and Poa's chemistry has been prominent this offseason. The two teamed up in hype videos for the LSU Tigers' upcoming 2024-25 season.

Poa showed off her laid-back vibe, dancing to Nicki Minaj’s “Itty Bitty Piggy,” creating excitement among fans eager to see the Tigers' star-studded roster in action this fall.