American Roman Catholic Bishops Criticize White House Border Enforcement
Through a uncommon official declaration, the national Catholic bishops organization has delivered a firm denunciation of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.
Formal Statement Reveals Serious Worry
Church leaders expressed being concerned by risks to the special status of churches 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.
Atmosphere of Anxiety
Through their statement, the church leaders portrayed what they termed "a environment of apprehension around questions of profiling" and border control measures.
They revealed being disappointed by the ongoing debate and negative portrayal of foreign nationals, while rejecting what they described as "the blanket expulsion of people."
Additional Concerns
Religious leaders also raised significant concerns about:
- Conditions in border holding facilities
- Random revocation of authorized standing for some migrants
- Absence of comprehensive immigration system improvements
Administrative Shifts
The White House has implemented an aggressive immigration agenda since assuming power, including revoking policies that restricted immigration detentions near designated sites such as religious institutions, medical facilities and educational centers.
Global Perspective
The message echoes comparable criticisms made by the Vatican leader, who has urged "thorough contemplation about the way immigrants are being addressed in the US under present leadership."
Extended Ramifications
This represents the first official declaration of its kind in 12 years, underscoring the seriousness of the religious authorities' apprehensions about present border measures.
