American Roman Catholic Church Leaders Condemn White House Border Enforcement
In a uncommon formal message, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has released a sharp criticism of the Trump administration's immigration policies.
Special Message Shows Significant Apprehension
Religious authorities expressed being concerned by risks to the sanctity of churches and the special nature of hospitals and schools.
Nations must maintain border control while developing equitable, systematic immigration processes that serve public welfare.
Climate of Fear
Through their statement, the religious figures portrayed what they termed "a climate of fear around questions of profiling" and immigration enforcement.
They expressed being disappointed by the ongoing debate and vilification of foreign nationals, while opposing what they referred to as "the blanket expulsion of people."
Additional Concerns
The bishops also voiced serious worries about:
- Conditions in migrant detention facilities
- Unjustified cancellation of authorized standing for some migrants
- Lack of substantial border policy changes
Policy Changes
Federal authorities has advanced an aggressive immigration agenda since beginning the term, including eliminating policies that curtailed immigration arrests near designated sites such as churches, hospitals and schools.
International Context
The statement echoes equivalent concerns made by the Catholic pontiff, who has urged "thorough contemplation about the way migrants are being treated in the US under the current administration."
Wider Consequences
This represents the premier special message of its type in more than ten years, underscoring the seriousness of the bishops' concerns about current immigration policies.
