Summary
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced a new rule to make visa processing faster for religious workers, such as clergy, who use the R-1 visa to work in the United States. This change allows these workers to leave the U.S. after five years and return without waiting one year abroad, which was previously required. The rule aims to address delays but does not change the overall limits on visas or green cards for religious workers.
Key Facts
- DHS has issued a new rule for R-1 visa holders, who are religious workers like pastors and rabbis.
- The new rule removes the previous requirement for these workers to wait a year abroad before returning to the U.S. after five years of stay.
- The change took effect immediately and allows public comments for 60 days.
- The rule does not affect the total number of visas or green cards available for religious workers.
- There are ongoing backlogs in the EB-4 visa category, delaying permanent residency for some religious workers.
- The State Department has paused visa processing for some countries while reviewing consular procedures.
- This pause affects multiple countries, including Brazil, Nigeria, and Iran.
- DHS aims to support religious organizations under Secretary Noem's leadership.
