American Roman Catholic Church Leaders Criticize White House Immigration Policies
Via a rare official declaration, America's Catholic bishop leadership has issued a sharp criticism of the White House's border enforcement measures.
Formal Statement Shows Serious Worry
Religious authorities expressed being disturbed by risks to the special status 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.
Climate of Fear
Through their statement, the religious figures characterized what they labeled "a climate of fear around questions of targeting" and immigration enforcement.
They expressed being disheartened by the current discussion and vilification of immigrants, while resisting what they described as "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Additional Concerns
The bishops also raised serious worries about:
- Conditions in immigration detention centers
- Arbitrary removal of official documentation for various foreign nationals
- Lack of substantial border policy changes
Procedural Adjustments
The Trump administration has implemented an aggressive immigration agenda since assuming power, including rescinding policies that curtailed immigration detentions near protected areas such as churches, hospitals and schools.
Worldwide Dimension
The message parallels comparable criticisms made by Pope Leo, who has called for "thorough contemplation about the way foreign nationals are being treated in the US under present leadership."
Wider Consequences
This represents the initial special message of its nature in more than ten years, emphasizing the gravity of the religious authorities' apprehensions about current immigration policies.
