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If upheld, the decision means religious workers—like those in aerospace and technology—could file for permanent residency before, not after, their employer's visa petition was approved.

Francisco described his experience in the United Kingdom as "surreal" and "bizarre."

The singer tried to convince agents that he had traveled all over England for 30 years. But since he had a new passport, he could not prove that.

"My main concern is that this … will result in my being unable to return to the U.K. in the future," Francisco said. "One question that is always asked at a border is, 'Have you ever been denied entry into this country?' Unless this present situation is reversed, my truthful reply would probably result in yet another denial of entry."

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Other reports related to new visa rules include:

US judge strikes down policy on religious visas | A federal judge has struck down a long-standing government policy that made it tougher for religious workers from other countries to remain in the United States. (Associated Press)

Immigration rules throw churches into confusion | The UK Border Agency has not taken into account the complexity of religious activities, the Evangelical Alliance has said. (Evangelical Alliance)

Christianity Today also has more articles on missions & ministry.

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June 2009, Vol. 53, No. 6