Foreign-born Catholic priests and religious brothers and sisters whose futures in the U.S. have become uncertain in recent years amid a federal immigration processing backlog have received some long-awaited relief.
The Trump administration on Jan. 14 issued an “interim final rule” that amends federal regulations to require no minimum time spent outside the country before religious workers can continue work on a subsequent religious worker (R-1) visa.
Previously, those with R-1 visas were required to depart the United States for at least one full year upon reaching the maximum period of stay for that visa (5 years) before returning to the country on a subsequent R-1 visa. Now, they will still be required to depart the country, but can return as soon as they receive a new R-1 visa.
“I commend the administration for issuing an interim final rule that immediately updates the Religious Work Visa Program,” Bishop Robert Brennan said in a statement. “This policy change is an important step forward for the Catholic Church in the United States and for all organized religions, as we continue to welcome the vital ministry of foreign-born priests, deacons, and women religious.
“In the Diocese of Brooklyn, we are truly blessed by the service of those who come from near and far to share the Word of God with the people of Brooklyn and Queens.”
Father Patrick Keating has previously told The Tablet that at least 20 priests in the diocese were expected to face visa challenges in the coming years. Approximately 6,600 foreign priests and 4,000 religious sisters are working in the U.S., according to the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University.
The Trump administration’s regulatory change provides relief to communities served by religious workers who are awaiting legal permanent residency. Commonly known as a green card, the wait time for religious workers to obtain such status has ballooned to several decades long in recent years amid general immigration backlogs.
Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Bishop Brendan Cahill of Victoria, Texas, applauded the Trump administration’s decision in a joint statement.
“We are tremendously grateful for the Administration’s work to address certain challenges facing foreign-born religious workers, their employers, and the American communities they serve,” they said. “The value of the Religious Worker Visa Program and our appreciation for the efforts undertaken to support it cannot be overstated.
“This targeted change is a truly significant step that will help facilitate essential religious services for Catholics and other people of faith throughout the United States by minimizing disruptions to cherished ministries.”
In the announcement issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Trump administration highlighted that it benefits thousands of religious workers, “providing stability and minimizing disruptions for faith-based communities.”
“Under the leadership of Secretary [Kristi] Noem, DHS is committed to protecting and preserving freedom and expression of religion,” a spokesperson said in a statement. “We are taking the necessary steps to ensure religious organizations can continue delivering the services that Americans depend on.”