Support Religious Workers. Strengthen Our Ministries. 

Across the United States, faith-based organizations depend on the tireless service of religious workers—priests, sisters, lay leaders, and others—many of whom are immigrants. These individuals minister in parishes, run schools, serve in shelters, and offer vital outreach to the most vulnerable. Yet, due to outdated immigration policies and backlogs, their ability to serve is under threat. 

Many religious workers enter the U.S. on R-1 visas, which are temporary and allow them to live and work legally for up to five years. But when they seek permanent residency, they face significant backlogs in the employment-based fourth preference (EB-4) category. While waiting, they are required to leave the country and cannot return for at least one year, suspending their critical work.   

The Religious Workforce Protection Act (S. 1298/H.R. 2672) offers a bipartisan, commonsense fix. It would allow religious workers on R-1 visas who are in the process of adjusting their immigration status to permanent residence to remain in the U.S. and continue their ministries until their green cards become available. This small change would make a profound difference for thousands of workers—and the faith-based organizations and communities that rely on them. 

We urge you to contact your elected officials today and ask them to support this urgently needed legislation. It’s not just about fixing a broken system—it’s about protecting the people who bring compassion, hope, and stability to our communities every day.