SCOOP: Sen. Collins Eyes Targeted Visa Fix for Religious Workers

The "Religious Workforce Protection Act" appeared on the Maine Republican's senate website this week.

WASHINGTON — Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) has a new bill on her website aimed at addressing the immigration challenges faced by religious workers caught in lengthy visa backlogs. The Religious Workforce Protection Act of 2025 seeks to extend nonimmigrant status and provide job flexibility for these workers as they await permanent residency.

Origins and Progress of the Religious Visa Bill

In January, Migrant Insider identified a visa backlog affecting religious clergy and asked Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO), about legislative plans. Hawley wrote to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the matter but has yet to receive a reply.

When asked, Sens. John Hoeven (R-ND), and Kevin Cramer (R-ND), mentioned that they supported protecting religious workers as key community assets, while Sens. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Collins have driven the bill forward with enthusiasm. On many fronts, other senators have expressed sincere bipartisan support for religious clergy and their value to society.

Since January, the bill faced repeated delays—due to a Continuing Resolution and Sen. Cory Booker’s 25-hour filibuster, amongst other things—despite promises of an earlier release. Migrant Insider has now exclusively obtained the bill and shares its details and significance.

What’s Inside the Bill