US Roman Catholic Church Leaders Criticize White House Immigration Policies
Via a infrequent formal message, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued a strong condemnation of the Trump administration's border enforcement measures.
Official Declaration Expresses Serious Worry
Religious authorities voiced being troubled by threats against the sanctity of churches and the unique character 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.
Climate of Fear
Through their statement, the church leaders described what they termed "a climate of fear around questions of profiling" and border control measures.
They expressed being saddened by the present discourse and demonization of foreign nationals, while opposing what they referred to as "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Further Issues
The bishops also expressed serious worries about:
- Circumstances in immigration detention centers
- Arbitrary removal of authorized standing for certain immigrants
- Absence of meaningful immigration reform
Procedural Adjustments
The White House has implemented an aggressive immigration agenda since assuming power, including eliminating policies that limited immigration arrests near sensitive locations such as churches, hospitals and schools.
Worldwide Dimension
The statement mirrors similar critiques made by the Vatican leader, who has urged "serious consideration about the way migrants are being treated in the US under the current administration."
Wider Consequences
This marks the initial official declaration of its nature in more than ten years, underscoring the gravity of the religious authorities' apprehensions about current immigration policies.
