World Relief Celebrates Trump Administration Easing Restrictions on Foreign-Born Religious Workers

Churches no longer need to replace R-1 visa holders during long interruptions, ensuring ongoing ministry 

Contact: Lauren Rasmussen, media@wr.org, 802.310.4255

BALTIMORE, Md. – Today, the Department of Homeland Security published a new rule alleviating restrictions on foreign-born religious workers holding R-1 visas that previously required them to depart the U.S. for a full year after five years of service before renewing their R-1 visa and continuing ministry. Initially announced on Wednesday, this adjustment means that religious workers can qualify for a renewed R-1 visa immediately after departing the U.S., provided they still meet requirements for approval. Previously, churches would have to replace workers in that absence, which could sometimes extend beyond the initial year. World Relief celebrates this important step that signals the administration’s support for essential faith workers providing critical spiritual care. 

“What could appear to be a simple administrative change marks a transformative shift for churches and ministries in communities across the nation,” commented Myal Greene, president and CEO of World Relief. “Beloved co-laborers no longer have to step away from important ministries for a year, or worry about unexpected challenges from bureaucratic processes. We’re grateful for the administration’s initial prioritization and encourage Congress to move to codify the change into law.”

World Relief has long joined faith leaders, churches and denominations in advocating around this issue, initially in 2023 as a member of the Evangelical Immigration Table, in a letter to Congress, and in June 2025, World Relief joined the National Association of Evangelicals, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission and many other faith-based organizations to ask for eased restrictions on foreign-born religious workers. This move by DHS is an important step toward easing those restrictions. 

To learn more about World Relief, visit worldrelief.org.