US Roman Catholic Bishops Criticize White House Border Policies
In a rare formal message, the national Catholic bishops organization has delivered a firm denunciation of the Trump administration's border enforcement measures.
Special Message Reveals Serious Worry
Religious authorities expressed being disturbed by threats against the sanctity of churches and the unique character 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.
Environment of Apprehension
Within their declaration, the bishops described what they termed "a climate of fear around questions of discrimination" and immigration policies.
They stated being disappointed by the present discourse and vilification of immigrants, while resisting what they referred to as "the blanket expulsion of people."
Additional Concerns
Church authorities also raised major apprehensions about:
- Situations in migrant detention facilities
- Random revocation of official documentation for certain immigrants
- Absence of substantial border policy changes
Procedural Adjustments
The White House has advanced an aggressive immigration agenda since beginning the term, including rescinding policies that curtailed immigration detentions near protected areas such as churches, hospitals and schools.
Global Perspective
The declaration echoes comparable criticisms made by Pope Leo, who has called for "serious consideration about the way immigrants are being addressed in the US under Trump."
Wider Consequences
This represents the first official declaration of its type in over a decade, highlighting the gravity of the church leaders' worries about current immigration policies.
