American Catholic Bishops Criticize White House Border Enforcement
Through a infrequent public statement, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued a strong condemnation of the Trump administration's immigration policies.
Formal Statement Shows Serious Worry
Church leaders stated being disturbed by threats against the special status of religious sites and the protected status of hospitals and schools.
We recognize that nations have a responsibility to regulate their borders and establish a just and orderly immigration system for the sake of the common good.
Environment of Apprehension
Within their declaration, the church leaders described what they termed "a atmosphere of anxiety around questions of targeting" and border control measures.
They stated being disappointed by the present discourse and negative portrayal of immigrants, while rejecting what they described as "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Further Issues
The bishops also voiced serious worries about:
- Situations in migrant detention facilities
- Random revocation of authorized standing for various foreign nationals
- Absence of comprehensive immigration system improvements
Administrative Shifts
Federal authorities has implemented an aggressive immigration agenda since beginning the term, including revoking policies that curtailed immigration detentions near protected areas such as religious institutions, medical facilities and educational centers.
Global Perspective
The message mirrors equivalent concerns made by the Vatican leader, who has called for "thorough contemplation about the way immigrants are being treated in the US under Trump."
Extended Ramifications
This constitutes the first special message of its nature in over a decade, emphasizing the gravity of the religious authorities' apprehensions about current immigration policies.
