Improving Continuity for Religious Organizations and their Employees

This interim final rule (IFR) amends U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations to remove the requirement that R–1 religious workers who have reached the maximum period of stay must reside abroad and be physically present outside the United States for one year before being eligible for readmission in R–1 status after departing from the United States upon reaching the maximum admission period. The purpose of this change is to promote stability and minimize disruptions to the vital services that R–1 religious workers provide to U.S. churches, mosques, synagogues, and other bona fide nonprofit religious organizations.