Luis Grijalva’s journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics was marked by both athletic achievement and immigration challenges. The Guatemalan runner finished 6th in the 5000 meters, but his path to the Olympics was complicated by the U.S. visa system.
The DACA Program and Its Limitations
Grijalva has lived in the U.S. since he was a child, under the protection of DACA. While DACA shields young immigrants from deportation, it also imposes significant travel restrictions. In 2021, Grijalva had to secure special permits to travel to the Tokyo Olympics, a process that was both time-consuming and stressful.
A New Start with the O-1 Visa
In 2024, Grijalva received an O-1 visa, which is granted to individuals with extraordinary abilities. This visa allowed him to travel without restrictions, enabling him to focus on his Olympic goals and visit Guatemala for the first time since childhood.
A Broader Issue
Grijalva’s experience highlights the broader issue of visa challenges for immigrant athletes. While the O-1 visa offers a solution for some, it is not easily accessible to all. Grijalva’s story serves as a reminder of the obstacles that talented individuals must overcome to achieve their goals in the U.S.
