DHS Introduces Rule to Ease Visa Barriers for Religious Workers in the United States

Amid broader immigration restrictions, federal officials have taken a targeted step to reduce disruptions faced by religious communities across the United States. A newly announced rule from the Department of Homeland Security is designed to shorten visa-related absences for foreign-born clergy and faith leaders who serve congregations nationwide.

For many churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples, the change addresses a growing problem: trusted religious workers forced to leave the country for extended periods while waiting for permanent residency approval.

Addressing a Growing Strain on Congregations

Religious organizations in the United States rely heavily on foreign-born workers to fill roles ranging from pastors and priests to nuns, imams, and rabbis. While many eventually qualify for permanent residency, long backlogs have made that process increasingly uncertain.

Most religious workers enter the country on temporary R-1 visas, which allow up to five years of service. Until recently, that timeframe was generally sufficient for green card processing. But changes to immigration procedures in recent years dramatically extended wait times, leaving many workers with no choice but to depart the country once their visas expired.

Under the new rule, religious workers will still need to leave the United States after reaching the five-year limit, but they will no longer be required to remain abroad for a full year before reapplying. Instead, they may seek reentry immediately, significantly reducing disruption for the communities they serve.

A Shift Welcomed by Faith Leaders and Attorneys

Immigration lawyers and religious leaders have described the policy change as a practical and long-awaited adjustment. The previous requirement often left congregations without spiritual leadership for months or longer, creating pastoral, educational, and emotional gaps that were difficult to fill.

Faith leaders say the rule recognizes the essential role religious workers play not only in worship, but in social services, education, and community support. From immigrant assistance programs to schools and hospitals, the absence of clergy often rippled far beyond the sanctuary.

Legal advocates note that while the change does not eliminate the green card backlog itself, it prevents unnecessary interruptions while applications remain pending.

How a 2023 Policy Shift Created New Backlogs

The current crisis traces back to a 2023 administrative decision that reshaped the green card queue. Religious workers had previously been processed through a dedicated category that moved relatively quickly compared to other employment-based pathways.

That changed when a large group of humanitarian applicants — including vulnerable migrant minors — were placed into the same processing line. While intended to address humanitarian concerns, the shift dramatically slowed approvals for religious workers.

As demand quickly exceeded available annual quotas, wait times stretched from years into decades for some applicants, particularly those from countries with high immigration demand.

Legal Pressure and Policy Reversal

The growing uncertainty led some religious institutions to seek relief through the courts. A lawsuit filed by a Catholic diocese and several affected clergy argued that the backlog threatened religious freedom and disrupted the lives of both ministers and congregants.

Although the case was later withdrawn, legal experts say it helped prompt renewed attention to the issue. The new DHS rule reflects an administrative attempt to resolve the most immediate problem — forced yearlong absences — while leaving deeper structural questions unresolved.

What the Rule Does — and Does Not — Fix

While the policy eases short-term disruptions, it does not address the underlying green card backlog. Many religious workers still face long periods of uncertainty before obtaining permanent status, leaving their futures — and those of their communities — unresolved.

Some lawmakers have proposed bipartisan legislation that would allow religious workers to extend their visas while residency applications are pending. Advocates argue such a measure would provide stability until broader immigration reform is achieved.

For now, religious leaders say the new DHS rule offers meaningful, if partial, relief. It allows congregations to retain familiar leaders, maintain continuity in worship and service, and avoid abrupt absences that can fracture community life.

A Narrow Change With Broad Impact

Though limited in scope, the policy adjustment underscores how even small regulatory changes can have outsized effects on religious life in the United States. For congregations dependent on international clergy, the ability to plan beyond a few uncertain months offers renewed confidence.

As debates over immigration policy continue, faith leaders say they hope this rule signals recognition of the vital role religious workers play — not only in spiritual matters, but in the social and moral fabric of American communities.