American Catholic Church Leaders Criticize Trump Administration Border Policies
In a infrequent formal message, America's Catholic bishop leadership has issued a strong condemnation of the Trump administration's border enforcement measures.
Formal Statement Reveals Deep Concern
The bishops voiced being disturbed by threats against the special status of churches and the unique character of medical facilities and educational institutions.
Nations must maintain border control while developing equitable, systematic immigration processes that serve public welfare.
Atmosphere of Anxiety
Through their statement, the religious figures portrayed what they called "a climate of fear around questions of profiling" and immigration enforcement.
They stated being disappointed by the current discussion and vilification of foreign nationals, while resisting what they called "the blanket expulsion of people."
Additional Concerns
The bishops also voiced major apprehensions about:
- Situations in border holding facilities
- Arbitrary removal of authorized standing for some migrants
- Lack of meaningful immigration reform
Procedural Adjustments
The White House has pursued an tough immigration approach since taking office, including eliminating policies that limited immigration arrests near designated sites such as churches, hospitals and schools.
Global Perspective
The declaration parallels similar critiques made by the Catholic pontiff, who has urged "serious consideration about the way foreign nationals are being addressed in the US under present leadership."
Wider Consequences
This constitutes the first special message of its nature in more than ten years, emphasizing the significance of the religious authorities' apprehensions about current immigration policies.
