As of July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) officially became law, and it is poised to completely reshape U.S. immigration policy. The OBBBA is a comprehensive budgetary legislation that tremendously impacts U.S.  immigration by (1) dramatically increasing funding for immigration enforcement, (2) inflating immigration fees, (3) taxing remittances, and (4) restricting immigration access to vital government benefits.

Alternatives for Religious Workers Facing the 5-Year Cap and EB-4 Delays Religious workers who come to the U.S. on R-1 visas are vital to many faith communities. But under current immigration rules, R-1 visa holders can only stay in the United States for a maximum of five years.

Navigating how to properly apply for an R-1 or religious visa can be complex and confusing. There are a few common mistakes that people make when applying for the U.S. visa. These mistakes can lead to a longer application process that wastes time, money, and effort. Here are three mistakes to avoid when you are applying for a religious worker’s visa to the United States:  

For years, religious workers have come to the United States on  R-1 visas  to serve in ministries, churches, temples, and other...