Kenyan-Born Priest Stranded in Nairobi After Embassy Denies Visa Stamp, Blocking Return to the US

A Kenyan-born Catholic priest, Father John K. Ojuok, has been denied re-entry into the United States after attempting to renew his visa stamp while visiting his ailing mother in Nairobi, according to diocesan sources and local media reports. 

Father Ojuok serves as parochial vicar for three parishes under the Diocese of Ogdensburg, New York — St. Peter’s, St. Mary’s, and St. Hedwig’s. 

He traveled to Kenya in September, expecting a brief stay to see his family and handle the renewal of his R-1 religious worker visa. 

Despite a reportedly successful interview at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Father Ojuok was denied the visa stamp without clear explanation. 

The refusal effectively bars him from returning to the U.S., leaving his congregation without its spiritual leader. 

In the wake of this incident, the Diocese of Ogdensburg has issued a stark warning to other foreign-born priests: avoid traveling outside the U.S. until the visa process clears up. 

Episcopal Vicar for Clergy, Father Christopher Carrara, expressed concern that such unexpected visa denials could disrupt the church’s operations, especially in rural communities that heavily rely on immigrant clergy. 

Father Ojuok’s case has reignited debates around U.S. visa policies for foreign clergy. Advocates argue that tighter scrutiny and more stringent procedures are limiting the ability of religious workers to travel, even when they hold valid visas. 

This concern comes amid broader immigration challenges facing religious workers in the U.S., particularly those on R-1 visas who are caught in green card backlogs under the EB-4 category. 

Parishioners in Lewis County, New York, where Father Ojuok served, say his prolonged absence has left a spiritual and emotional gap. His warm presence and pastoral outreach had become a source of comfort, particularly in underserved areas. 

Church leaders are reportedly coordinating with U.S. representatives and consular offices to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.

The Diocese has indicated it will continue engaging U.S. officials and congressional contacts to advocate for Father Ojuok’s return. For now, his communities in both Kenya and America are left in limbo — balancing hope with uncertainty.