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Senators introduce bill to protect foreign-born religious workers
The bill lets foreign-born religious workers stay in the U.S. beyond the five-year R-1 visa limit if their EB-4 green card applications are pending.
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Bhavana P - Tue, 08, Apr 2025
- 16:08 EDT
- 309
(R-L) Susan Collins , Tim Kaine and Jim Risch. / Wikipedia
A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at protecting foreign-born religious workers from being forced to leave the country due to visa restrictions, despite ongoing efforts to secure permanent residency.
The Religious Workforce Protection Act, introduced by Susan Collins (R-ME), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Jim Risch (R-ID), seeks to address immigration backlogs affecting clergy and religious staff across the United States. A companion bill was also filed in the House by Representatives Mike Carey (R-OH) and Richard Neal (D-MA).
If passed, the legislation would allow religious workers holding temporary R-1 visas—commonly used by ministers and other faith-based employees—to remain in the U.S. beyond the current five-year limit, provided they have pending EB-4 green card applications and meet eligibility criteria.
Also read: Bipartisan bill seeks to retain international STEM talent in US
Additionally, it will allow religious workers to have limited job flexibility while waiting for a decision on their EB-4 applications, so that they do not have to restart the long permanent residence process on account of moving from one parish or temple to another or a change in designation.
“Our bill would help religious workers of all faith traditions continue to live and serve here in the United States while their applications for permanent residency are being fully processed,” said Senator Collins.
Senator Kaine echoed the concern, stating “ I’m glad to partner with Senator Collins on this bipartisan legislation that puts forth a commonsense fix that will help ensure that our communities can continue to benefit from dedicated religious workers from around the world,”
Senator Risch stated the significance of the bill in Idaho, where religious communities risk losing up to a quarter of their clergy due to immigration backlogs. “By introducing the Religious Workforce Protection Act, we offer an important fix—ensuring religious workers who are integral to Idaho congregations can continue their service without interruption during lengthy visa processing delays.”
“Religious institutions play an essential role in our communities, offering support, connection, and invaluable services. This legislation will ensure they can continue their vital work for years to come,” said Congressman Neal.
The bill has received widespread support from religious leaders and organizations nationwide such as the Hindu American foundation. Supporters emphasize the bill does not expand immigration quotas but preserves the continuity of service in faith communities.
“The Hindu American Foundation is proud to support the Religious Workforce Protection Act, a common sense solution to ensuring that nonimmigrant religious workers on R-1 visas can continue to stay in the U.S. and serve the spiritual needs of their respective religious communities,” Samir Kalra, managing director of policy and programs for the foundation said.
"We’re grateful to Senators Kaine, Collins, and Risch for their leadership in spearheading this important bill that will help all religious communities, including Hindu Americans who are dependent on bringing religious workers trained in India to play a variety of essential roles at Hindu temples.” Kalra added.
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