American Roman Catholic Church Leaders Criticize Trump Administration Border Enforcement
In a rare official declaration, the national Catholic bishops organization has delivered a firm denunciation of the Trump administration's immigration policies.
Special Message Expresses Deep Concern
Religious authorities stated being concerned by potential violations of the special status of houses of worship and the special nature of medical facilities and educational institutions.
Countries bear the duty to manage their boundaries and create fair, organized immigration frameworks for the benefit of all.
Climate of Fear
Within their declaration, the church leaders characterized what they labeled "a environment of apprehension around questions of profiling" and immigration enforcement.
They stated being saddened by the ongoing debate and demonization of migrants, while opposing what they described as "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Additional Concerns
The bishops also voiced significant concerns about:
- Situations in border holding facilities
- Arbitrary removal of legal status for various foreign nationals
- Absence of comprehensive immigration system improvements
Administrative Shifts
The White House has pursued an aggressive immigration agenda since taking office, including revoking policies that restricted immigration arrests near protected areas such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.
Global Perspective
The message echoes equivalent concerns made by the Catholic pontiff, who has urged "thorough contemplation about the way foreign nationals are being handled in the US under the current administration."
Wider Consequences
This constitutes the premier formal statement of its type in 12 years, underscoring the significance of the religious authorities' apprehensions about current immigration policies.