Luis Grijalva’s journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics was not just about athletic training. It was also about overcoming significant visa challenges. Grijalva, a Guatemalan long-distance runner, finished 6th in the 5000 meters, but his path to the Olympics was far from smooth.
Grijalva has lived in the U.S. since infancy, under the protection of the DACA program. While DACA allows young immigrants to avoid deportation, it imposes restrictions on international travel. For the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Grijalva had to secure special permits to leave and re-enter the U.S., a process that added unnecessary stress to his training.
In 2024, Grijalva’s situation improved when he received an O-1 visa, which is granted to individuals with extraordinary abilities. This visa allowed him to travel freely, focus on his Olympic goals, and visit Guatemala for the first time since he was a child.
Grijalva’s experience highlights the challenges faced by immigrant athletes in the U.S. The visa system can be a significant obstacle, even for those with exceptional talent. While the O-1 visa provided a solution for Grijalva, it remains out of reach for many. His story serves as a reminder of the persistence required to navigate the complexities of the U.S. immigration system.
