Paterson Diocese Withdraws Visa Lawsuit After Nationwide Agreement
The Diocese of Paterson, New Jersey, has voluntarily dismissed its lawsuit against U.S. immigration agencies following an agreement anticipated to influence visa policies for foreign-born priests across the country. This development comes amid increasing concerns over clergy shortages and slow processing of religious-worker visas.
Background of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit, initially filed on August 8, 2024, targeted the United States Department of State, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the Department of Homeland Security. The Diocese claimed these agencies unlawfully changed the method for calculating visa availability, resulting in significant immigration delays for non-citizen religious workers.
Recent Court Filing
On October 31, 2024, the Diocese’s attorneys submitted a notice to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey requesting dismissal of the case. They stated the move was intended “to allow for Agency action and/or rule-making that will render moot the relief Plaintiffs sought from the Court.”
“A deal now in place will have consequences not just locally but nationwide,” said Raymond Lahoud, the Diocese’s legal representative.
Significance of the Agreement
- Expected to impact visa policy for foreign-born clergy throughout the United States.
- Addresses delays in visa processing contributing to clergy shortages.
- Represents a potential resolution to administrative changes contested by the Diocese.
The agreement marks a critical step toward easing immigration barriers affecting religious workers and ensuring better access for foreign-born priests serving U.S. communities.
Author’s Summary
This dismissal reflects a landmark agreement to reform visa policies, aiming to relieve immigration delays affecting religious workers nationwide and strengthen clergy availability.