DHS IMPLEMENTS RULE TO SPEED UP VISAS FOR RELIGIOUS WORKERS SERVING U.S CONGREGATIONS ABROAD. (PHOTO).

 DHS implements rule to speed up visas for religious workers serving US congregations abroad

  The Department of Homeland Security has announced a rule change designed to reduce visa wait times for religious workers coming to serve U.S. congregations, easing restrictions that previously forced many to leave the country for extended periods. The change affects R-1 visas, which allow foreign pastors, priests, nuns, imams, and rabbis to temporarily work in the United States while their congregations pursue permanent residency petitions. Previously, clergy who reached the five-year maximum for an R-1 visa were required to leave the U.S. for a full year before reapplying, a rule that had been exacerbated by processing changes in 2023. Under the new DHS guidance, religious workers will still depart but can immediately apply to return.

The rule has drawn praise from immigration attorneys and faith leaders, who say it will reduce disruptions for U.S. congregations relying on foreign clergy. Lance Conklin, an attorney representing evangelical churches, called it “a huge deal” that prevents organizations from losing staff for a full year. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and other religious groups highlighted the importance of the program, noting that foreign-born clergy fill critical roles amid domestic shortages. The rule addresses delays created in 2023 when clergy were added to a broader green card backlog alongside minors seeking humanitarian status, which had extended waiting times. While the change helps maintain continuity for congregations, thousands of religious workers still face long waits for permanent residency, a challenge advocates say will only be fully resolved through broader immigration reform.