Religious Workforce Protection Act

# Religious Workforce Protection Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** The Religious Workforce Protection Act would allow the Department of Homeland Security to extend work visas for certain religious workers beyond the current five-year limit. Specifically, it would keep these workers in the U.S. while their applications to become permanent residents are being processed, rather than forcing them to leave when their temporary visa expires.

The bill also gives these religious workers more flexibility—such as the ability to change employers—while waiting for their permanent residency decision. **Who It Affects:** This bill primarily affects religious workers (such as missionaries, clergy, and other faith-based organization employees) who have applied for permanent residency or immigrant visas. It also impacts the religious organizations that employ them. The bill would only apply to workers who have already started the process of becoming permanent residents and meet specific eligibility requirements. **Current Status:** The bill (HR 2672) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Mike Carey (R-OH) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.