Dedicated religious workers, such as priests, imams, rabbis, pastors, and other essential staff, are required to leave the United States after five years due to limitations on R-1 non-immigrant status. This disrupts congregations, strains resources, and deprives communities of the vital services these individuals provide, including within Episcopal churches across the country.
The Religious Workforce Protection Act S.1298/H.R.2672, introduced by Senators Kaine, Collins, and Risch, and Representatives Carey and Neal, offers a targeted solution to this longstanding problem. This bipartisan bill addresses the issue by allowing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to extend the temporary R-1 nonimmigrant status for religious workers beyond the current five-year limit. This can occur if their religious institution has already filed a petition for their lawful permanent residence under the EB-4 category and they are eligible to become lawful permanent residents, meaning they are not subject to any other existing legal barriers to obtaining a visa, except for the current extensive immigration backlogs.
The bill does not create a new pathway for entry into the U.S., rather it allows those already serving our communities and awaiting permanent residency to continue their work without interruption.
Furthermore, the bill provides for some expanded job flexibility. Religious workers can move between congregations or receive promotions within their religious organization without having to restart the lengthy permanent residency process, as long as they continue to work in a religious capacity.
Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe has expressed his support for the legislation, saying: “The Religious Workforce Protection Act is crucial for the continued ministry and work of The Episcopal Church. Religious worker visas are a vital lifeline for our congregations, allowing dedicated clergy who bring diverse perspectives and talents to serve God’s people. This legislation will ensure that our ministries and the work of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ can continue to flourish without the disruptive threat of visa expirations. Our church relies on clergy from around the world. They enrich our worship, strengthen our outreach, and are essential members of the body of Christ. Preserving their ability to serve their congregations without interruption is essential for the stability of our church and the continuity of the essential services and spiritual care we provide. I urge our lawmakers to support this act, recognizing that it will not only benefit The Episcopal Church but also countless other faith communities across our nation. With your support, we can ensure that the important ministry of these religious workers continues uninterrupted and allow them to focus on God’s mission without the uncertainty of visa status affecting their ability to serve.”
We urge you to contact your members of Congress and ask them to support the Religious Workforce Protection Act. This legislation is a practical and compassionate step towards ensuring the stability and vibrancy of our religious communities.
Additional Resources
- Religious Workforce Protection Act Text
- Religious Workforce Protection Act Press Release
- How churches, other religious organizations can sponsor workers for U.S. visas - Garfinkel Immigration Law Firm
- Special Immigrant Religious Workers | USCIS
- Religious Worker Permanent Residency Process — Where Are We Now? | Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC)
- Non-resident Religious Workers Face Difficulties After Change in Visa Rules Interpretation | Reformed Church in America
Episcopal Church Resolutions:
- 2003-C033 - Urge Legislation to Expand Temporary Workers' Programs
- 2006-A017 - Adopt the Principles of “The Alien Among You” as the Church Policy
- 2009-B006 - Advocate for Immigration Reform