A Catholic priest born in Mexico who has served in the diocese of Laredo, Texas, for nine years must leave the United States because his residence application was denied and his visa as a religious worker is about to expire.
Fr. Alan Sánchez, pastor of the Church of San José in La Pryor and the San Patricio mission in Batesville, will return to his native country, Mexico, this Wednesday, August 27, in the midst of problems with his visa. Upon arrival, it will be received in the Archdiocese of Monterrey, in the northeast of Mexico.
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“Originally, I hope that this would be resolved,” Sánchez told CNA, an Ewtn News English agency.
“I felt sad (upon receiving the news) for the community I served,” he added. “It is a very small and poor community in Texas, and this was my first position as a pastor.”
Sanchez requested the residence two years ago, but said that the process was repeatedly delayed and finally his request was denied in November 2024. He appealed the denial and then requested a different visa, but said that he finally “ended her time.” He still hopes that the matter can be resolved to be able to return to his parish at some point.
“I talked to my bishop and the lawyer, but there is nothing but I can do except to return to Mexico,” he said.
Sanchez explained that the delay was caused by an accumulation of applications and that it was denied due to the lack of quotas available for visas. He pointed out that asylum seekers are not accompanied by priority and that priests cannot change their status to residence because “the quotas are already occupied.”
He said that the prioritization is “understandable” and “is certainly fine,” but added that many priests born abroad also need to make the transition to residence.
“As there is no availability, they are simply denying it,” said Sánchez.
He explained that “I don’t think this is political,” but “it is the process, this is what is happening.”
“It is simply the process, as it is, and of course it is heartbreaking to see that this happens, but it seems that it is out of my control,” he added.
Sanchez asked the faithful to pray for him and expressed hope that “this can be resolved.” He also said that he expects this to raise awareness about the problems of the current immigration system and warned that other priests face the same fight, which could aggravate the shortage of priests if Congress does not attend it.
“It is a call to raise awareness that the migratory system needs to be expanded to some extent, and I think there is space for everyone whenever we can do it in a good way,” said Sánchez.
Bishop James Tamayo of the Diocese of Laredo appointed Fr. Heleodoro Lozano – parish vicario of the Church of San Judas in Laredo – to assume the position of Sánchez as of Thursday, August 28.
The Diocese told CNA in a statement that Sánchez “will return temporarily to Mexico … until this process is resolved” and that helped the priest to obtain legal advice and “will continue to accompany him in prayer and assistance.”
“We are deeply grateful for the generosity of spirit, pastoral care and joy that (Sánchez) has brought to the people of San José and San Patricio,” said the diocese.
“His presence is deeply appreciated, and we continue with the hope that he will soon return to continue his mission of faith and service among us,” the statement added. “Like all dioceses, we yearn to keep our priests serving their communities, and we will continue to pray and work diligently so that Father Sánchez can again exercise his ministry among the faithful of our diocese.”
Sanchez said that some legislators are trying to address this concern with the bipartisan Protection Law for Religious Work Force. The proposed legislation would facilitate the process to extend religious visas.
The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, He said in an interview Earlier this month in “The World Over With Raymond Arroyo” by Ewtn that the administration of President Donald Trump is “committed” to resolving the delay.
“I have been in contact with several of our cardinals here in the United States and bishops on that too,” said Rubio, “and it is not just the Catholic Church, there are other places that are being affected, but we are trying to expedite that process.”
Several bishops have supported the Protection Law for Religious Labor Force and have expressed concern that, without some kind of action, the number of priests born abroad who are forced to leave the United States will continue to increase.
Translated and adapted by the ACI Press team. Originally published in CNA.
Tyler Arnold
Tyler Arnold is a reporter of the National Catholic Register. He previously worked at The Center Square and has published in various media, including The Associated Press, National Review, The American Conservative and The Federalist.