USCIS is considering changing the definitions of eligible religious workers and religious denominations related to the R-1 Religious Worker visa after widespread reports of fraud and abuse.

“In seeking to improve the R-1 visa rules, we have to be careful not to throw the baby out with the bathwater. While I applaud the efforts of Homeland Security officials to reduce fraud in the R-1 program, the proposed changes must not exclude or impede legitimate visa applicants of non-Judeo-Christian faiths,” said Rep. Markey, a senior member of the House Homeland Security Committee.

“Some religions in the United States, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, rely more heavily on foreign religious workers for their religious practice. A narrow eligibility definition for the R-1 visa requiring seminary-type training or the approval of a central religious body, which do not exist for all faiths, could jeopardize the ability of some to practice their religion. We are a tolerant and inclusive society and our laws should reflect these values.

“I urge USCIS to encourage and thoroughly consider more feedback from religious organizations as it formulates changes to improve the R-1 visa rules,” concluded Rep. Markey.

The proposed rule change is DHS Docket Number : USCIS-2005-0030. Rep. Markey’s letter to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Emilio T. Gonzalez is available HERE.