Since priority dates for religious workers retrogressed in 2023, many religious workers have experienced trouble applying for permanent residency status which will allow them to stay in the United States and continue working after their R-1 status runs out. Many have had to depart the United States fora full year as a result, leaving communities relying on their pastoral support in the lurch. A new piece of legislation in Congress has been proposed to address these issues, called the Religious Workforce Protection Act, and religious organizations are joining together to support it.
