American Catholic Church Leaders Condemn White House Immigration Policies
Through a infrequent official declaration, America's Catholic bishop leadership has delivered a firm denunciation of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.
Special Message Expresses Significant Apprehension
The bishops voiced being disturbed by threats against the sacred nature of religious sites 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
Within their declaration, the church leaders portrayed what they called "a environment of apprehension around questions of targeting" and immigration policies.
They expressed being disappointed by the current discussion and negative portrayal of immigrants, while resisting what they called "the blanket expulsion of people."
Additional Concerns
Church authorities also voiced significant concerns about:
- Conditions in immigration detention centers
- Random revocation of official documentation for some migrants
- Absence of substantial border policy changes
Administrative Shifts
The White House has pursued an stringent border policy since taking office, 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 equivalent concerns made by the Catholic pontiff, who has urged "serious consideration about the way migrants are being handled in the US under present leadership."
Broader Implications
This represents the first official declaration of its type in over a decade, emphasizing the significance of the bishops' concerns about present border measures.
