US Catholic Church Leaders Condemn Trump Administration Immigration Policies
In a rare official declaration, the national Catholic bishops organization has released a firm denunciation of the White House's immigration policies.
Formal Statement Expresses Deep Concern
Church leaders stated being disturbed by risks to the sanctity of churches and the protected status of medical facilities and educational institutions.
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
Through their statement, the church leaders characterized what they termed "a environment of apprehension around questions of targeting" and immigration policies.
They expressed being disheartened by the present discourse and vilification of immigrants, while rejecting what they described as "the widespread removal of people."
Other Worries
The bishops also raised significant concerns about:
- Conditions in migrant detention facilities
- Random revocation of authorized standing for various foreign nationals
- Insufficiency in meaningful immigration reform
Administrative Shifts
Federal authorities has advanced an stringent border policy since beginning the term, including eliminating policies that curtailed immigration apprehensions near sensitive locations such as religious institutions, medical facilities and educational centers.
Worldwide Dimension
The statement echoes equivalent concerns made by the Catholic pontiff, who has urged "serious consideration about the way migrants are being treated in the US under the current administration."
Broader Implications
This marks the premier formal statement of its type in over a decade, underscoring the significance of the religious authorities' apprehensions about present border measures.
