US Roman Catholic Bishops Criticize Trump Administration Immigration Enforcement
Through a rare official declaration, America's Catholic bishop leadership has issued a strong condemnation of the White House's immigration crackdown.
Special Message Expresses Significant Apprehension
Religious authorities voiced being concerned by potential violations of the special status of churches and the special nature 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 labeled "a environment of apprehension around questions of profiling" and border control measures.
They stated being disappointed by the present discourse and negative portrayal of migrants, while rejecting what they described as "the blanket expulsion of people."
Other Worries
Church authorities also voiced serious worries about:
- Circumstances in border holding facilities
- Random revocation of authorized standing for various foreign nationals
- Insufficiency in meaningful immigration reform
Administrative Shifts
Federal authorities has advanced an tough immigration approach since beginning the term, including eliminating policies that curtailed immigration detentions near sensitive locations such as churches, hospitals and schools.
International Context
The message mirrors comparable criticisms made by the Catholic pontiff, who has urged "serious consideration about the way migrants are being addressed in the US under present leadership."
Extended Ramifications
This constitutes the initial special message of its type in 12 years, highlighting the seriousness of the bishops' concerns about existing enforcement approaches.
