Immigration Law Changes Disrupt Faith Communities as Foreign-Born Clergy Face Uncertainty

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff   

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering the USA

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Image Source: HANNA LEKA/Middle East Image/AFP via Getty

In early 2023, a reinterpretation of federal immigration law has created significant upheaval for faith communities across the United States, particularly affecting foreign-born clergy. The Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Orlando, Florida, is one of many congregations grappling with the consequences of this change, which has forced some ministers to leave the country and abandon their congregations.

Ryan Cook, a Canadian minister who had served the church for several years, was among those impacted. The new understanding of immigration law altered the processing of green-card applications for foreign-born religious workers, creating a backlog that has left thousands of clergy at risk of being forced to leave the U.S. Rev. Canon Dan Smith of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida lamented the loss of Cook, stating, “He was remarkably good at his job.”

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has voiced concerns over the situation, warning that an increasing number of American families may be unable to practice their faith if the issue is not addressed. Many foreign-born clergy, like Cook, have already been compelled to leave the U.S. to avoid overstaying their visas, with similar situations arising for several other priests in the Central Florida Episcopal diocese.

The crisis stems from a 2023 U.S. State Department reinterpretation that combined EB-4 visa applications for foreign-born religious workers with those for neglected, abused, or abandoned immigrant children. This change did not increase the annual limit of 10,000 visas, resulting in a backlog that has extended wait times from one year to potentially 10 to 15 years. As a result, many foreign-born clergy have been forced to abandon their ministries, leading to significant disruptions in the communities they serve.

A bipartisan bill, the Religious Workforce Protection Act, has been proposed to address the issue. This legislation aims to extend the five-year limit on religious worker visas until green-card applications are adjudicated. The bill has garnered support from various religious organizations, including the National Association of Evangelicals and the U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations.

In Florida, foreign-born clergy make up a significant portion of the Episcopal clergy, particularly from Caribbean nations. Smith noted that understanding cultural nuances is crucial for effective ministry, especially in congregations with diverse backgrounds. Cook was fortunate to secure a job offer in England, but his departure has left his former congregation in a state of uncertainty as they search for a new senior pastor.

The implications of the immigration law changes extend beyond individual clergy members; they affect entire congregations and the communities they serve. The Catholic bishops’ conference reported that about 30% of the 150,000 people currently awaiting adjudication of their EB-4 applications are religious workers. A survey indicated that 24% of Catholic priests in the U.S. are foreign-born, highlighting the reliance on these individuals for pastoral care.

As the situation continues to evolve, church leaders are taking proactive measures to navigate the complexities of immigration law. Smith has hired an immigration attorney to provide guidance and support to Episcopal church leaders, while also halting the hiring of foreign candidates until there is a clearer understanding of the legal landscape.

The urgency of the matter is underscored by the potential impact on congregations, with some dioceses expecting to lose multiple foreign-born workers in the coming year. The Catholic Diocese of Paterson, New Jersey, has even filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, claiming that the State Department’s procedural changes violate federal law and hinder the provision of religious services.

As lawmakers work to garner bipartisan support for the Religious Workforce Protection Act, the future of foreign-born clergy in the U.S. remains uncertain. The situation highlights the critical role these individuals play in maintaining the spiritual health of diverse faith communities across the nation.