US Roman Catholic Church Leaders Denounce White House Border Policies
Via a uncommon formal message, America's Catholic bishop leadership has released a firm denunciation of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.
Formal Statement Shows Deep Concern
The bishops voiced being concerned by risks to the special status of houses of worship 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 religious figures characterized what they termed "a environment of apprehension around questions of targeting" and immigration policies.
They expressed being disheartened by the ongoing debate and negative portrayal of migrants, while rejecting what they called "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Additional Concerns
Church authorities also expressed serious worries about:
- Conditions in immigration detention centers
- Random revocation of authorized standing for certain immigrants
- Lack of comprehensive immigration system improvements
Administrative Shifts
The Trump administration has advanced an aggressive immigration agenda since assuming power, including rescinding policies that limited immigration apprehensions near designated sites such as churches, hospitals and schools.
International Context
The statement echoes similar critiques made by the Vatican leader, who has advocated for "serious consideration about the way migrants are being addressed in the US under present leadership."
Wider Consequences
This marks the premier formal statement of its type in 12 years, emphasizing the significance of the bishops' concerns about current immigration policies.
