Bill to extend Nonminister Religious Worker program for 5 years

[OTBT]

Reposted from WWP http://forums.whyweprotest.net/123-...ister-religious-worker-program-5-years-46838/

tl;dr - The Nonminister Religious Worker visa program is set to expire in September; Congress proposes extending this program for another 5 years.

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.2679:

111th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2679

To extend certain immigration programs, and for other purposes.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 3, 2009

Ms. GIFFORDS introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Labor and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

...

SEC. 3. SPECIAL IMMIGRANT NONMINISTER RELIGIOUS WORKER PROGRAM.

Subclauses (II) and (III) of section 101(a)(27)(C)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)(C)(ii)) are amended by striking `September 30, 2009,' each place such term appears and inserting `September 30, 2014,'.

http://www.immigration-law.com/

06/04/2009:
H.R.2679 Proposes to Extend Nonreligious Worker Immigration, Conrad 30 NIW Waiver for IMGs, EB-5 Regional Pilot Investment Immigration for Five Years

* In March 2009, the Congress passed legislation to extend the then sunsetting immigration programs until September 30, 2009. Just introduced Rep. Goffords bill proposes to extend these forthcoming sunsetting programs for five years from September 30, 2009 to September 30, 2014. This bill also proposes to extend the same for the E-Verify program.

* The House Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee has swiftly taken up this bill and schedules to have the mark-up hearing today for this bill.

For reference, here is an earlier thread on this

Non-Minister Category of Religious Worker Visas to be Eliminated in March, September



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I just stumbled on this old government web page, regarding career opportunities for legitimate Religious Workers. This is the Google cache, original page seems to be down. Try comparing these salaries to Sea Org earnings:

Careers - #323 - RELIGIOUS WORKER

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Religious Workers vary depending on the type of work performed, the employer, the geographic location, and in some cases, upon the personal needs of the individual Worker.

Nationally (1998), Religious Workers earned average annual salaries ranging from the U.S. minimum wage ($10,712 to over $70,00 per year) or more based on the size and affluence of the institution they serve and their responsibilities. The median annual salary was $26,468 (1998). Directors of church relations employed by colleges and universities had a median annual salary of $44,090 in the 1998-99 school year.

In the North Central region, which includes Michigan, various types of religious workers earned the following salaries in 1999 (including housing and utilities):

Job Title - Annual Average Salary

Associate/executive pastor $42,959

Christian Education Minister $36,412

Youth Minister/Director $34,855

Adult Minister/Director $39,789

Recreation Minister/Director $30,998

Senior Pastor/Priest $56,986

For comparison, here are some actual wages of Sea Org "Religious Worker" employees:

Assorted Sea Org members' W-2 pay statement amounts

SMI staff pay in 2000 and 2001


There is a whole lot of info on this old government web page above, regarding legitimate Religious Workers. Again, try comparing the legitimate duties discussed with Sea Org duties.