"We can't earn anything" LSU's Last-Tear Poa tells Flau'Jae Johnson the problems Georgia Amoore and her face with NIL Deals

LSU guard Last-Tear Poa has cried foul over the US government's decision, specifically the Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), to deny her athlete visa. This resulted in the Australian player suing the USCIS.

The athlete visa is important for Poa and other international players studying and representing NCAA schools in various sports competitions. It allows them to earn from their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL).

The 5-foot-11 senior player revealed the issue on the "Best of Both Worlds with Flau'jae" podcast, posted on YouTube on Dec. 20.

Poa told host and LSU teammate Flau'Jae Johnson she filed the lawsuit against the US government agency on behalf of all international collegiate stars who might receive similar treatment.

"I did it because, like my platform, it's not easy to get it (the NIL deals as an international player). I think it'll be a great opportunity for people behind me that's coming up to earn the money they worked hard for," Poa said (8:10).

The LSU guard was reportedly the first collegiate athlete to legally challenge the USCIS over the NIL employment opportunities it discourages international students from pursuing. Immigration attorney Ksenia Maiorova, representing Poa in the lawsuit, stated that the agency denied Poa's visa application, which eased the restrictions.

Poa, attending LSU on an F-1 student visa, felt offended by these restrictions, which would prevent her and fellow international players, like Kentucky guard and compatriot Georgia Amoore, from earning the NIL money they believe they deserve.

"I'm like on the other side of the world but (the NIL will) be a great opportunity to earn pretty much get the money that we deserve. Because you know like Georgia Amoore she's in Kentucky and she's pretty much done most of the things I've done but like we can't earn anything," she said (8:55).

USCIS restricts foreign students from securing employment opportunities off campus unless it is related to their major or if they have special permission.

The restrictions could be lifted if they obtain a P-1A athlete visa, which is primarily granted to professional athletes moving to the U.S. to compete and to amateur athletes who play at an internationally-recognized level of performance.

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Last-Tear Poa continues to play for LSU amidst ongoing lawsuit

The lawsuit delayed Last-Tear Poa's 2024-25 women's college basketball debut with LSU. Poa debuted in the Lady Tigers' fourth game against Murray State, playing for seven minutes and finishing with two assists.

The senior guard scored a season-high 12 points in LSU's 131-44 victory over North Carolina Central on Dec. 1. In her last game against UIC, Poa tallied seven points, one rebound, three assists and one steal.

In 11 games this season, Poa is averaging 2.8 points on 24.0% shooting from the field, along with 2.6 assists. She has started five games for the Kim Mulkey-coached squad, which remains undefeated in 14 games.

Poa has a chance to improve her averages before the start of the SEC regular season, as LSU faces Albany on Sunday at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.