What our reliance on foreign-born priests says about US Catholics

Foreign-born priests now make up approximately one-fourth of the clergy serving parishes in the United States, according to Msgr. Richard Antall. While historical immigration from Europe brought priests from France and Ireland to help immigrant communities, many current foreign-born priests come from Asia and Africa to address priest shortages in rural areas and serve majority Anglo parishioners.

These clergy members include naturalized citizens, green-card holders, and those working under special visas. However, Msgr. Antall noted that a 2023 State Department policy change regarding EB-4 green card applications for religious workers created a backlog of up to 150,000 cases. He stated that this policy change forced his predecessor to leave the United States, leading the bishop to transfer him to the parish. Msgr. Antall also noted that language and cultural differences can affect pastoral care.