Senate Eyes Bipartisan Fix For Religious Worker Visa Backlog (SCOOP)

Lawmakers push colleagues, Trump administration for urgent reforms as clergy face years-long wait times for visas

WASHINGTON — Religious organizations in the U.S. are facing major challenges due to delays in the processing of visas for foreign-born religious workers. The R-1 visa program, which allows nonimmigrant religious workers to serve for up to five years, has been heavily impacted by recent changes in immigration procedures, leaving faith communities vulnerable.

While the visa is initially valid for 30 months with extensions possible, many workers use the EB-4 category for special immigrant religious workers to apply for permanent residency. However, recent developments have led to significant backlogs and uncertainty for both the workers and the churches they serve.