Guidelines for Receiving Pastoral Ministers in the USA

Non-Ordained Religious Worker. In immigration law, a non-cleric. Overstayer. Term given to those who enter the United States on temporary visas for a certain time period and who do not leave the United States at the expiration of the authorized stay. Particular Church. For the purposes of this docu ment, a diocese or eparchy (CIC c. 368; CCEO c. 177 §1). Permanent Deacon. A deacon who does not intend to proceed to the order of priests. Permanent dea cons may be single or married. Receiving community/culture refers to the local community in the United States that “receives” an international minister. Religious. A member of a religious institute, including religious priests, deacons, sisters, nuns, and brothers. Religious Institute. An institute of consecrated life in which the members live a common life and assume the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty, and obedience (CIC c. 607; CCEO c. 410). Religious Occupation. This term in immigra tion law is defined by regulation as an activity that relates to a traditional religious function. The CIS and Department of State have stated that lay persons who would like to qualify for immigra tion based on religious occupation must perform

activities that embody the tenets of religion and have a religious significance. Religious Order. A common expression used to refer to a religious institute. Religious Vocation. In immigration law, a calling to religious life, evidenced by the demonstration of a commitment in a religious denomination, such as the taking of vows. Religious Worker. A foreign-born person sponsored by a religious denomination or religious organization for either temporary or permanent immigration. Society of Apostolic Life. A society of men or women who live common life and may assume the evangel ical counsels in accord with the constitution of the society (CIC c. 731; CCEO c. 572). Special Immigrant Religious Worker. A foreign-born person who is sponsored as a lawful permanent resident by a religious denomination or religious organization pursuant to section 101(a)(27) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Unlawful Presence. An alien who is unlawfully present in the United States. This occurs if either the alien is present in the United States after the expiration of the period of stay authorized by the appropriate immigration officials or if the alien is present in the United States without being admitted or paroled.

Glossary | H-3