Source: US Department of Homeland Security – Please note, there is an Important Disclaimer at the bottom of this statement.
lass=”text-align-center”>New rule eliminates one-year foreign residency requirement for thousands of religious workers abroad
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued an interim final rule to religious organizations and their communities allowing thousands of religious workers—including priests, nuns, and rabbis—that previously were required to remain outside the United States before returning, to resume their essential services. This rule significantly reduces this wait time, providing stability and minimizing disruptions for faith-based communities.
“Under the leadership of Secretary Noem, DHS is committed to protecting and preserving freedom and expression of religion. We are taking the necessary steps to ensure religious organizations can continue delivering the services that Americans depend on,” said a DHS spokesperson. “Pastors, priests, nuns, and rabbis are essential to the social and moral fabric of this country. We remain committed to finding ways to support and empower these organizations in their critical work.”
The rule supports President Trump’s Executive Order (E.O.) 14205, Establishment of the White House Faith Office and removes the requirement for R-1 religious workers to reside outside the United States for one year when they reach the statutory five-year maximum period of stay. While R-1 religious workers are still required to depart the U.S., the rule establishes that there is no longer a minimum period of time they must reside and be physically present outside the U.S. before they seek readmission in R-1 status.
The demand for visas within the EB-4 category has exceeded the supply for many years. Changes implemented by the Department of State in 2023 significantly increased the already lengthy wait times for immigrant visas in the EB-4 category for aliens from certain countries, including for religious workers. These delays have caused many religious workers to exhaust their maximum period of stay in R-1 status. By eliminating the one-year foreign residency requirement, USCIS is reducing the time religious organizations are left without their trusted clergy and non-ministerial religious workers.
The interim final rule is effective immediately. USCIS invites written comments and related materials submitted within 60 days of the rule’s publication in the Federal Register.
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Disclaimer: This is a statement from the US Department of Homeland Security. The claims made in support of US ICE and claims of guilt against immigrants to the USA may or may not be accurate. What is accurate is that the US Department of Homeland Security and/or ICE have asserted views contained in this statement that could potentially be politically motivated, and it is possible that crimes detailed as fact by the USDHS and or ICE are actually alleged and may not have been tested in a court of law. As such these claims are not necessarily supported or endorsed by MIL-OSI and its clients. However, MIL-OSI can assert that this statement is an accurate record of what the US Department of Homeland Security and or ICE has released on its website and to media.