New rule affecting visas seen as ‘positive step’ by foreign-born priests

An interim final rule announced by the Trump administration in January is “a positive step forward,” according to Father Kenneth Lukong, associate pastor of Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Homeland – eliminating a requirement that forced foreign-born priests to leave the United States for at least a year once their five-year R-1 religious worker visas expired.

The change means that when a priest’s visa runs out, he can travel abroad briefly to renew it and return without a prolonged absence – helping parishes maintain stability in a time of growing priest shortages.

“Given the number of priests serving under the R-1 visa category, many parishes were at risk of being left without an adequate number of priests to meet the spiritual needs of their communities,” Father Lukong said.

The priest, originally from Cameroon, noted that priests “undergo many years of rigorous formation before entering ministry” and that the new rule is “very relieving” as it addresses “the already existing shortage of priests experienced in many dioceses.”

“With this new rule, when visas expire, priests can travel abroad to renew their visas and return promptly without unnecessary delays,” he said. “This change helps maintain stability in pastoral ministry and ensures continuity of service to the faithful.”

The path to permanent residency, however, remains slow. Foreign priests typically apply for an EB-4 special immigrant religious worker visa – a green card – during their five years on an R-1 visa, but processing times are lengthy.

“It takes 10 years to process a green card,” said Father James Proffitt, the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s vicar for clergy. “Ideally, you are able to get your card more quickly. It used to not be an issue.”

Father Proffitt noted that while the new rule is welcome, the process “is not totally done yet.”

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops welcomed the change. 

“We are tremendously grateful for the administration’s work to address certain challenges facing foreign-born religious workers, their employers, and the American communities they serve,” said Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, USCCB president, and Bishop Brendan J. Cahill, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Migration. “This targeted change is a truly significant step that will help facilitate essential religious services for Catholics and other people of faith throughout the United States by minimizing disruptions to cherished ministries.”

Email Katie V. Jones at kjones@CatholicReview.org

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