Religious Workforce Protection Act

This bill helps religious workers in the U.S. who are stuck in long green card backlogs. It would let them keep their temporary “R” status while their green card case is pending, instead of timing out and having to leave just because there aren’t enough visa numbers available yet. It also gives limited flexibility to change jobs within similar religious work while the green card case is delayed. And if someone already had to leave the U.S. after hitting the 5‑year limit on R status, it waives the normal rule that makes them stay abroad for a year before returning, if they meet the bill’s conditions .

Key points:

• Who is affected: Religious workers and their family members with approved or pending cases in the special immigrant (EB‑4) category who are eligible except for visa number limits.
• What changes:
  • Can extend R status until there’s a final decision on the green card or immigrant visa application.
  • Can make certain job changes within similar religious roles while the case is delayed.
  • If forced to leave after 5 years in R status, no 1‑year wait abroad before coming back if they fit the bill’s criteria.
• Why it matters: Keeps faith communities from losing key staff because of government backlogs and number caps, and reduces family and community disruption.