Nonminister Religious Worker Program Extended

On Octoiber 28, 2009, President Obama signed into law H.R. 2892, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2010, which extends the nonminister religious worker program until September 30, 2012.

Restrictionists Use the Bible to Defend Anti-Immigrant Stance

The Center for Immigration Studies (CIS), hosted a panel discussion in Washington, DC yesterday entitled, Religious Perspectives on Immigration. As reported by the Immigration Policy Center, the evening was a thinly veiled attempt to use the Bible as a source for anti-immigrant policies.

By comparison, the Center for American Progress issued a report last month entitled, Loving Thy Neighbor, which highlights the Biblical imperative enunciated in Leviticus 19:33-34, "And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God" as the basis for faith based organizations' involvement in the immigration debate.

The Washington Post article, Immigration Gets 'Churchy' reported on the rise of grass roots efforts by faith based communities sparked by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner's (R-WI) 2005 anti-immigrant bill which would have penalized those who provide aid and comfort to people unlawfully present in the U.S., including faith based organizations.

DOS Issues Final Rule on Amended Requirements for Religious Workers

This DOS rule is effective October 6, 2009. The DOS rule was issued in order to comply with the USCIS, Department of Homeland Security R-1 regulations issued on November 26, 2008 requiring sponsoring employers to file petitions for all aliens for whom R-1 nonimmigrant status is sought.

This DOS rule requires that consular officers ensure that R-1 visa applicants have obtained an approved Form I- 129 petition from the USCIS, Department of Homeland Security before issuance of an R-1 visa.