American Catholic Bishops Criticize White House Immigration Policies
In a rare official declaration, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has released a firm denunciation of the White House's border enforcement measures.
Formal Statement Expresses Serious Worry
Church leaders stated being disturbed by risks to the sacred nature of houses of worship and the special nature of medical facilities and educational institutions.
Countries bear the duty to manage their boundaries and create fair, organized immigration frameworks for the benefit of all.
Climate of Fear
Through their statement, the church leaders described what they termed "a climate of fear around questions of targeting" and immigration policies.
They expressed being disappointed by the present discourse and vilification of migrants, while opposing what they called "the blanket expulsion of people."
Additional Concerns
Religious leaders also voiced significant concerns about:
- Situations in migrant detention facilities
- Arbitrary removal of authorized standing for various foreign nationals
- Insufficiency in comprehensive immigration system improvements
Administrative Shifts
The White House has advanced an tough immigration approach since assuming power, including revoking policies that curtailed immigration arrests near designated sites such as churches, hospitals and schools.
Worldwide Dimension
The statement mirrors equivalent concerns made by the Vatican leader, who has called for "deep reflection about the way immigrants are being treated in the US under Trump."
Broader Implications
This represents the first formal statement of its nature in 12 years, emphasizing the seriousness of the church leaders' worries about existing enforcement approaches.
