US Roman Catholic Church Leaders Denounce White House Immigration Policies
In a uncommon formal message, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has released a firm denunciation of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.
Special Message Expresses Significant Apprehension
The bishops expressed being concerned by risks to the sanctity of religious sites and the protected status 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
In their message, the church leaders described what they termed "a atmosphere of anxiety around questions of discrimination" and immigration enforcement.
They expressed being disappointed by the present discourse and vilification of foreign nationals, while opposing what they called "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Additional Concerns
The bishops also raised major apprehensions about:
- Circumstances in migrant detention facilities
- Arbitrary removal of authorized standing for some migrants
- Insufficiency in substantial border policy changes
Administrative Shifts
The White House has advanced an aggressive immigration agenda since assuming power, including eliminating policies that limited immigration arrests near designated sites such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.
Worldwide Dimension
The statement parallels equivalent concerns made by the Catholic pontiff, who has urged "serious consideration about the way migrants are being addressed in the US under present leadership."
Extended Ramifications
This constitutes the first official declaration of its nature in 12 years, highlighting the significance of the church leaders' worries about present border measures.
