Introduction to U.S. Immigration Law for Clergy and Laity

CLE Webinar

Thursday, March 19, 2026 | 12:00pm ET

In light of the needs of the Orthodox Church in the United States, this presentation will provide a basic introduction to the U.S. immigration system, specifically as it relates to the Orthodox Church.  We will discuss the background and history of immigration law and policy, as well as the major agencies and components tasked with administering those laws and policies. Particular focus will be given to religious visas -- the R-1 visa for nonimmigrant religious workers and the EB-4 visa for special immigrant religious workers. Additionally, attendees will obtain a general understanding of the process to be pursued by those intending to be immigrants to the United States, including clergy members, as well as those seeking asylum, including based on religious persecution.

SPEAKER: Sarah Vogt

Sarah Vogt is an Orthodox Christian immigration attorney.  Most recently, she served as an Appeals Officer in the Administrative Appeals Office within U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), where she adjudicated appeals of denials of requests for various types of both humanitarian and employment-based immigration benefits.  Prior to joining USCIS, she was an Assistant Chief Counsel with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), where she litigated complex removal proceedings on behalf of the government, largely focusing on criminal and related issues.  Sarah began her federal career as a Judicial Law Clerk at the Arlington Immigration Court through the Attorney General's Honors Program.  She is a graduate of American University Washington College of Law and a proud alum of the University of Virginia, where she majored in English Literature and Religious Studies.  Sarah currently lives in Lisbon, Portugal with her husband, who is posted at U.S. Embassy Lisbon through his career with the Department of State, and her two young sons.

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REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Thank you for your interest in this webinar.  This event is free for OCAN Members and for priests and hierarchs.  Non-member fee is $55. The option to join as a member is offered in this registration process.

The zoom information for the webinar will be provided via a separate email communication later after your successful registration.

CLE Credit

One-hour CLE credit is anticipated in the following states: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CT, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, MN, MS, NV, NH, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, TX, VA, WA, WV, WI 

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