American Catholic Bishops Condemn White House Border Enforcement
In a rare formal message, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued a firm denunciation of President Donald Trump's border enforcement measures.
Special Message Expresses Serious Worry
Church leaders expressed being troubled by threats against the special status of houses of worship and the protected status of medical facilities and educational institutions.
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.
Atmosphere of Anxiety
Within their declaration, the bishops characterized what they called "a climate of fear around questions of targeting" and immigration enforcement.
They revealed being disheartened by the present discourse and negative portrayal of foreign nationals, while rejecting what they referred to as "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Further Issues
Religious leaders also voiced major apprehensions about:
- Situations in migrant detention facilities
- Random revocation of legal status for some migrants
- Insufficiency in comprehensive immigration system improvements
Administrative Shifts
Federal authorities has pursued an tough immigration approach since beginning the term, including rescinding policies that restricted immigration arrests near sensitive locations such as churches, hospitals and schools.
Worldwide Dimension
The message echoes comparable criticisms made by the Vatican leader, who has urged "serious consideration about the way immigrants are being treated in the US under present leadership."
Wider Consequences
This marks the premier formal statement of its type in more than ten years, underscoring the seriousness of the church leaders' worries about current immigration policies.
