A change in the immigration processing for religious worker visas (R-1) is a hopeful sign for the Glenmary community and many foreign-born religious workers in the United States.

Previously, religious workers who reached the maximum stay of five years on an R-1 visa would be required to leave the country for at least one year before reapplying for the visa while awaiting permanent residency.

The change, announced mid-January, would not require a minimum time before they could return to the US, provided they meet all other requirements. This important change will positively affect several Glenmary priests and students, in addition to the rural communities they serve.

“This rule change will allow Glenmary to more effectively do our missionary work, which means greater fullness of life to those we serve in the missions,” says Father Aaron Wessman, first vice president and director of vocations. “In particular, this means continuity in the service and leadership we provide to the missions. This rule change also means that Glenmary can begin dreaming once again of possibly expanding to other mission counties and offering greater ministry for the Kingdom of God and the Church.”