American Roman Catholic Bishops Condemn White House Immigration Enforcement
In a infrequent formal message, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has released a firm denunciation of President Donald Trump's border enforcement measures.
Special Message Reveals Serious Worry
The bishops expressed being troubled by threats against the special status of churches and the special nature of healthcare centers and learning establishments.
Nations must maintain border control while developing equitable, systematic immigration processes that serve public welfare.
Climate of Fear
In their message, the religious figures characterized what they labeled "a climate of fear around questions of targeting" and immigration enforcement.
They revealed being saddened by the current discussion and vilification of immigrants, while opposing what they called "the blanket expulsion of people."
Additional Concerns
Religious leaders also expressed major apprehensions about:
- Conditions in immigration detention centers
- Random revocation of authorized standing for certain immigrants
- Absence of meaningful immigration reform
Administrative Shifts
Federal authorities has pursued an aggressive immigration agenda since beginning the term, including revoking policies that curtailed immigration detentions near protected areas such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.
Global Perspective
The declaration parallels equivalent concerns made by Pope Leo, who has urged "thorough contemplation about the way foreign nationals are being addressed in the US under present leadership."
Extended Ramifications
This constitutes the initial special message of its type in more than ten years, underscoring the gravity of the religious authorities' apprehensions about current immigration policies.
