Catholic parishes, hospitals, schools and other ministries are facing a staffing crisis caused by federal policy, as foreign-born priests, religious sisters and brothers get caught up in the bureaucratic red tape of our broken immigration system. A bipartisan bill has been introduced in Congress to address the issue, making it easier for religious workers here legally on temporary visas to remain in the country until they can get a green card. Currently, because of a backlog in applications for the specific permanent visas these individuals need, many are forced to leave the country for a year, leaving our ministries unstaffed and our Catholic people without access to sacraments and spiritual care. Please contact Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and your member of Congress to urge them to pass the Religious Workforce Protection Act this year!
