Jim Sensenbrenner: “However, I will say that this bill extends an immigrant visa program for religious workers that is set to expire. The…”

“However, I will say that this bill extends an immigrant visa program for religious workers that is set to expire. The current visa program allows American religious denominations to sponsor and bring in religious workers from overseas for both ministers and non-ministers. The program is highly restricted and many religious denominations have taken advantage of this program in the years past basically to provide additional personnel to do not only their religious work but some of their charitable work as well. It is a program that has not been abused. It is a program that has been found extremely useful and necessary by many of the religious denominations. It is set to expire on September 30. The passage of this bill will extend the authority for this program an additional 5 years. I urge its adoption.”