ICYMI: Dubuque Priests Return to Their Parishes After Months-Long Visa Delays

Washington, D.C. — After months of uncertainty, three priests serving the Archdiocese of Dubuque have received renewed visas, allowing them to return to serving their parishes and communities across Northeast Iowa.

Among them is Rev. Stephen Audu, a Nigerian priest who had been unable to serve at Church of the Nativity for seven months while waiting for his religious worker visa to be renewed. His absence was deeply felt by parishioners who had come to know and rely on him.

After hearing about the delays, Congresswoman Ashley Hinson’s office worked closely with the priests and the Archdiocese of Dubuque over several months, repeatedly engaging with the federal government and pushing for answers until the cases were resolved. Audu’s visa was approved last month, and two other priests serving the Archdiocese also received renewed visas.

“Now he can get back to doing what he’s really great at, which is being a parish priest. He’s very approachable. He cared for all of us at Nativity.”
— Perry Mason, head of the Church of the Nativity parish council

“We are grateful and appreciate the advocacy of Representative Hinson and her staff.”
— Deacon John Robbins, spokesman for the Archdiocese of Dubuque

“These priests mean so much to the parishes and people they serve, and months of bureaucratic delays meant communities were left without them. When we heard what was happening, we worked alongside the Archdiocese, kept pushing for answers, and didn’t let up until we got this resolved. I’m thrilled Father Audu and these priests can get back to doing what they do best — serving Iowans.”
— Congresswoman Ashley Hinson

Read the full story from the Telegraph Herald here.
 

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