Religious organizations have been advocating for changes in the green card processing for religious workers for over a year, concerned about the impact on thousands of individuals serving in the United States. The Catholic Diocese of Paterson, New Jersey, along with five priests facing imminent legal status expiration, has taken legal action against federal immigration oversight agencies, citing potential disruptions to their lives and religious freedoms, affecting the services provided to hundreds of thousands of Catholics.
According to Bishop Kevin Sweeney of the Paterson Diocese, the priests are dedicated to their work despite the challenges they face. The lawsuit against the Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is the first of its kind from a diocese but has sparked interest among other religious groups facing similar issues, as highlighted by attorney Raymond Lahoud.
The delays in green card processing have put a strain on religious workers across different denominations, including the Catholic Church. Bishop Mark Seitz, from El Paso, Texas, expressed concerns about losing priests due to prolonged processing times and the requirement for them to leave the U.S. for an extended period while their cases remain unresolved.
The shortage of religious workers in the U.S. has led many dioceses to recruit clergy from overseas, creating a reliance on foreign-born religious workers. The delays in the green card process have been particularly challenging, with some applicants facing wait times of up to 10-15 years, as outlined by Lance Conklin, co-chair of the religious workers group at the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
Efforts to lobby for Congressional and administrative changes are ongoing, with suggestions for simplifying the process and addressing the immediate needs of religious workers. These include proposals to allow job changes within ministries without impacting green card applications and reducing the time required to be spent outside the U.S. after visa expiration.
The current situation has left many organizations with limited options, as alternative visas and green card categories are often unsuitable or too costly for religious workers. Mary O’Leary, an attorney representing religious orders, emphasized the financial constraints faced by many organizations, particularly those in the Catholic Church.
The impact of these delays extends beyond the religious aspects, affecting services like education, healthcare, and social initiatives provided by clergy. The uncertainty surrounding the green card process has led to the departure of religious workers and has prompted efforts to bring them back to continue their work in communities across the country.
