American Roman Catholic Church Leaders Criticize Trump Administration Border Policies
In a infrequent public statement, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has released a firm denunciation of President Donald Trump's border enforcement measures.
Formal Statement Expresses Significant Apprehension
The bishops voiced being troubled by risks to the sacred nature of religious sites and the protected status of healthcare centers and learning establishments.
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 bishops described what they called "a environment of apprehension around questions of targeting" and immigration enforcement.
They expressed being disappointed by the ongoing debate and vilification of migrants, while resisting what they described as "the widespread removal of people."
Additional Concerns
Church authorities also expressed significant concerns about:
- Situations in immigration detention centers
- Random revocation of legal status for various foreign nationals
- Insufficiency in meaningful immigration reform
Administrative Shifts
The White House has implemented an aggressive immigration agenda since assuming power, including rescinding policies that limited immigration detentions near protected areas such as religious institutions, medical facilities and educational centers.
International Context
The message echoes similar critiques made by the Catholic pontiff, who has called for "serious consideration about the way foreign nationals are being addressed in the US under the current administration."
Broader Implications
This marks the first official declaration of its type in 12 years, highlighting the seriousness of the church leaders' worries about current immigration policies.
