Faith leaders across the U.S. are eagerly awaiting a bipartisan bill recently introduced in both the U.S. Senate and House, aiming to address a prolonged immigration issue they have been grappling with for over two years. The bill targets part of the problem relating to green cards for abused minors and religious workers, which the recent change in government processing methods exacerbated, leading to potential disruptions for thousands of pastors, nuns, imams, and more. While the bill focuses on a narrow aspect, lawmakers supporting it believe this approach enhances its chances of approval in the midst of the contentious immigration debate. Faith leaders emphasize the importance of even a partial solution to prevent further harm to congregations and to allow for future planning. The current situation, if unchanged, could have dire consequences for various communities, including the Glenmary Home Missioners where foreign-born priests and brothers are disproportionately affected. The bill’s passage would bring immense relief to many facing uncertainty and provide a lifeline to those in need of assistance.
