US Roman Catholic Church Leaders Condemn White House Border Enforcement
In a rare official declaration, America's Catholic bishop leadership has released a strong condemnation of President Donald Trump's border enforcement measures.
Special Message Reveals Serious Worry
The bishops voiced being concerned by risks to the special status of houses of worship 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.
Climate of Fear
In their message, the church leaders characterized what they termed "a atmosphere of anxiety around questions of targeting" and immigration enforcement.
They stated being disappointed by the ongoing debate and demonization of migrants, while resisting what they called "the blanket expulsion of people."
Additional Concerns
The bishops also expressed serious worries about:
- Situations in immigration detention centers
- Unjustified cancellation of authorized standing for various foreign nationals
- Insufficiency in substantial border policy changes
Procedural Adjustments
Federal authorities has advanced an stringent border policy since assuming power, including revoking policies that curtailed immigration detentions near protected areas such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.
Global Perspective
The statement echoes comparable criticisms made by the Catholic pontiff, who has called for "serious consideration about the way foreign nationals are being treated in the US under present leadership."
Broader Implications
This marks the premier official declaration of its kind in over a decade, highlighting the significance of the religious authorities' apprehensions about current immigration policies.
