From EWTN:
A Nigerian-born Catholic priest serving in the Diocese of Des Moines, Iowa, sued the federal government after facing delays in processing his request for permanent residency, which has culminated in the expiration of his religious work visa and work authorization.
Father Sylvester Okoh, who was serving in the diocesan hospital ministry under an R-1 religious worker visa, can remain in the country as he awaits government action. Yet, because the priest lost his work authorization amid the delays, he is unable to perform his duties in the diocese.
When reached for comment, Okoh referred EWTN News to his lawyer, Alexander Smith, who said his client has done everything by the book, has not broken any laws, and “just wants to get back to work.”
Smith said there “are no court orders as of yet,” and his application is still pending. He said “we are confident that the government and the court” will recognize the delay is “unreasonable” and ensure his application is processed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
“Father Okoh meets the criteria for these forms of immigration benefits,” he said. “USCIS should have been able to make decisions on his applications within the time allowed. We hope that the government will respond favorably and we will be able to avoid further litigation. Father Okoh wishes to return to his important work as soon as possible.”
Okoh applied for permanent residency on Nov. 7, 2022 — nearly two years before his work authorization was set to expire on Aug. 30, 2024. Because of delays, USCIS extended his authorization until July 19 so he could continue working, and that extension has expired.
One reason for the delay is that USCIS adopted policies in December 2025 and January 2026 that put holds on applications from 39 “high risk” countries, including Nigeria. A federal court order in June requires that USCIS process these applications.
The Iowa Capital Dispatch has additional details about the lawsuit:
The delay has already caused “significant emotional hardship” to Okoh, as well as “financial and emotional hardship to the diocese,” the lawsuit alleges.
The lawsuit contends that CIS has delayed action on Okoh’s application based on the agency’s December 2025 policy memoranda placing an indefinite hold on pending benefit applications from nationals of Nigeria and 38 other countries the Trump administration designated as “high risk.”
The U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island recently issued an order vacating and setting aside that policy, finding that it violates the Administrative Procedures Act.
Okoh’s lawsuit cites past court decisions finding that CIS has a duty to adjudicate the adjustment-of-status applications it receives and that it must do so within a “reasonable” period of time — generally not later than 180 days after the initial filing of the application.
The government’s unreasonable delay in processing Okoh’s application has resulted in Okoh “being stuck in limbo and has caused an extreme hardship,” the lawsuit asserts.
Related: Bishop William Joensen of Des Moines interviewed Father Okoh for his radio show several months ago. He talks about his mission and his ministry. Listen here.
