Bill would allow foreign-born religious workers to continue to perform essential service in American communities
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) today introduced the Religious Workforce Protection Act to allow religious workers in the U.S. on temporary R-1 status to continue serving our communities while their application for permanent residency is processed.
The Religious Workforce Protection Act would provide a targeted fix to the backlog of EB-4 applications that have exacerbated a growing shortage of religious workers across the country. This legislation would grant the Secretary of Homeland Security the authority to extend temporary R-1 nonimmigrant status for religious workers already in the U.S. until they receive a decision on their permanent residence application, and allow religious workers that were forced to leave to reenter the country.
“Idaho’s religious communities risk losing up to a quarter of their clergy due to immigration backlogs,” said Risch. “By introducing the Religious Workforce Protection Act, we offer an important fix—ensuring religious workers who are integral to Idaho congregations can continue their service without interruption during lengthy visa processing delays.”
The Religious Workforce Protection Act has received support from the Diocese of Boise.
“Despite the vast territory and increasing membership, our diocese is served by only 79 priests. If the current R-1 visa procedures remain in effect, our diocese will face severe hardship when foreign-born priests are required to leave the country for at least one year or more,” said Bishop Peter F. Christensen, Diocese of Boise. “I would like to extend my special thanks to Senator Risch and his staff, as well as Senators Susan Collins and Tim Kaine, for their assistance in developing and sponsoring the bill. Their partnership with those affected by the current situation is an excellent example of our legislators listening to their constituents and enacting common-sense changes that benefit all.”
Risch is joined by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) in introducing the legislation.
Background:
Under current law, religious workers with R-1 nonimmigrant status are limited to stay in the U.S. for five years. These workers must then leave the U.S. for at least one year before they can return, costing churches and faith organizations the beloved religious workers their congregations and local communities have grown to depend on.
Almost 25% of clergy members across the country are foreign-born, impacting religious communities throughout the United States.
More than a fourth of Idaho’s Catholic priests are at risk of losing their legal immigration status within the next four years.
