Brazilian Pastor Returns to Texas Church Following Immigration Rule Change

Pastor Albert Oliveira has returned to his position at First Baptist Church in Gordon, Texas, after a period of absence caused by immigration regulations. Oliveira, a Brazilian national who had served the congregation since 2020, voluntarily left the United States in October 2025 following the expiration of his R-1 religious worker visa. His departure occurred while he was awaiting the processing of an EB-4 visa application, which had been delayed by a significant backlog of requests.

Oliveira’s return in April 2026 was facilitated by a recent change in immigration rules. Reflecting on his experience, the pastor expressed gratitude for his return while advocating for broader reforms to the U.S. immigration system. He emphasized that churches should have the flexibility to call international pastors to ministry without facing excessive bureaucratic hurdles. Oliveira, a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, is married with a U.S.-born child and continues to call for a more efficient and fair process for religious workers seeking to serve in the country.