Those pastors are members of the Association of Filipino Pastors on Saipan, according to the former president of the group, Pastor Manuelito Rey of Cornerstone Christian Church.
“If the church has no pastor there will be an impact on the members,” Rey said.
Unless they can obtain USCIS authorization, these pastors cannot perform their ministerial duties like officiating a wedding.
The pastors have already submitted their petitions for a temporary nonimmigrant religious worker, or R-1, visa, but these remain pending with USCIS.
The petitions were submitted before their CNMI-issued umbrella permits expired last Nov. 27, Rey said, adding that delay was due to the unclear rules and regulations.
At present, some U.S. citizen church members assumed the duties of their pastors except those responsibilities that can only be done by the minister, Rey said.
Rey said he has already obtained his work authorization.
“Let us pray for those pastors so that their petitions will be approved soon,” he said, as he urged church members to continue attending services.
