US Catholic Church Leaders Criticize White House Immigration Enforcement
Through a uncommon public statement, America's Catholic bishop leadership has released a strong condemnation of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.
Formal Statement Shows Serious Worry
Religious authorities voiced being troubled by risks to the special status of religious sites and the protected status of hospitals and schools.
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
In their message, the bishops described what they labeled "a atmosphere of anxiety around questions of profiling" and immigration enforcement.
They revealed being saddened by the ongoing debate and negative portrayal of migrants, while opposing what they described as "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Other Worries
The bishops also voiced significant concerns about:
- Circumstances in border holding facilities
- Arbitrary removal of authorized standing for various foreign nationals
- Lack of meaningful immigration reform
Administrative Shifts
Federal authorities has implemented an tough immigration approach since assuming power, including revoking policies that limited immigration arrests near designated sites such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.
Global Perspective
The declaration mirrors comparable criticisms made by the Catholic pontiff, who has called for "thorough contemplation about the way immigrants are being handled in the US under the current administration."
Extended Ramifications
This constitutes the premier official declaration of its kind in 12 years, underscoring the gravity of the religious authorities' apprehensions about present border measures.
