Citizenship & Immigration Services Removes Residency Requirement for Religious Workers
January 16, 2026
January 16, 2026
WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Citizenship and Immigration Services has amended regulations to eliminate a rule requiring R-1 religious workers to live abroad for one year before returning to the U.S. in the same status. This interim final rule aims to prevent staffing shortages and service disruptions for religious organizations, including churches, mosques, and synagogues, which rely on these workers for community support.
The previous regu . . .
The previous regu . . .