US Roman Catholic Church Leaders Denounce White House Immigration Enforcement
In a rare formal message, America's Catholic bishop leadership has released a strong condemnation of President Donald Trump's border enforcement measures.
Special Message Shows Deep Concern
Religious authorities voiced being troubled by threats against the special status of houses of worship and the protected status of hospitals and schools.
Countries bear the duty to manage their boundaries and create fair, organized immigration frameworks for the benefit of all.
Climate of Fear
In their message, the church leaders described what they called "a environment of apprehension around questions of discrimination" and immigration policies.
They stated being saddened by the current discussion and vilification of immigrants, while resisting what they called "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Additional Concerns
The bishops also voiced significant concerns about:
- Circumstances in immigration detention centers
- Unjustified cancellation of authorized standing for various foreign nationals
- Absence of substantial border policy changes
Procedural Adjustments
The Trump administration has advanced an tough immigration approach since assuming power, including rescinding policies that curtailed immigration detentions near sensitive locations such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.
International Context
The message echoes equivalent concerns made by the Catholic pontiff, who has advocated for "deep reflection about the way migrants are being handled in the US under Trump."
Extended Ramifications
This marks the first formal statement of its type in over a decade, underscoring the gravity of the church leaders' worries about present border measures.
