In a time of both clergy and teacher shortages, especially in rural dioceses, foreign-born religious workers are essential for ensuring the availability of the sacraments and mission-critical staff. For decades, these ministers have helped meet the spiritual and social needs of Catholic communities across the country, but the system that allows them to serve is facing serious challenges.
Foreign-born religious workers serve across every state and in a wide variety of faith traditions. They include priests, deacons, pastors, rabbis, imams, religious sisters and brothers, monks, missionaries, cantors, and others. Their work ranges from leading worship to providing social services to the vulnerable. Without them, many religious organizations would struggle to carry out their missions.
Catholics need to contact Congress and tell their representative and Senators to support the bi-partisan Religious Worker Protection Act (H.R. 2672/S. 1298).
Foreign-born Religious Worker Backlog
The Religious Worker Visa Program was originally created because the U.S. immigration system did not meet the unique needs of faith communities that depend on foreign-born religious workers, such as the Catholic Church.
Today, the program is in crisis due to a massive backlog in visa processing.
Religious workers already in the U.S. who have applied for permanent residency will hit the maximum limit of their temporary stay long before their green card is available. This forces them to abandon their ministries and return to their home countries. It is now projected to take over 20 years for these workers stuck in the backlog to receive a green card.
As a result, parishes will lose pastors, hospitals will lose chaplains, and the work of the Church will be diminished for people who rely on the spiritual leadership of foreign-born religious workers.
Only Congress has the Authority to Address the Problem
The bipartisan Religious Workforce Protection Act (RWPA), introduced in April 2025, offers a targeted solution for the problems created by the backlog. If passed, the Religious Worker Protection Act would let R-1 visa holders who have already started the green card process stay in the U.S. beyond the normal five-year limit. They could keep their R-1 status until their green card is approved, instead of being forced to leave their ministry and return home while they wait.
The RWPA does not alter the number of people who can immigrate to the United States. Those who would be eligible for relief under the bill are already lawfully present and legally working in the country, and they would need to meet all eligibility requirements for permanent residence. The change would ensure that communities across the country could continue benefiting from the contributions of religious workers without interruption.
Without swift action, growing numbers of religious workers who have faithfully served in the United States could be forced to leave the country.
Now is the time to act to support the religious workers that play a vital role in the Church. Visit the USCCB’s action alert to send a message to your member of Congress and urge support for the Religious Workforce Protection Act.