American Roman Catholic Bishops Condemn White House Border Enforcement
Through a uncommon public statement, the national Catholic bishops organization has delivered a firm denunciation of the Trump administration's immigration policies.
Official Declaration Expresses Significant Apprehension
The bishops voiced being concerned by risks to the special status of churches and the special nature of hospitals and schools.
Countries bear the duty to manage their boundaries and create fair, organized immigration frameworks for the benefit of all.
Atmosphere of Anxiety
Within their declaration, the bishops described what they called "a climate of fear around questions of profiling" and immigration enforcement.
They stated being disheartened by the present discourse and demonization of foreign nationals, while opposing what they described as "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Additional Concerns
The bishops also raised significant concerns about:
- Circumstances in migrant detention facilities
- Random revocation of legal status for various foreign nationals
- Absence of meaningful immigration reform
Administrative Shifts
Federal authorities has pursued an aggressive immigration agenda since beginning the term, including rescinding policies that restricted immigration apprehensions near designated sites such as churches, hospitals and schools.
Global Perspective
The declaration parallels equivalent concerns made by Pope Leo, who has urged "thorough contemplation about the way migrants are being handled in the US under present leadership."
Extended Ramifications
This constitutes the premier official declaration of its type in 12 years, highlighting the seriousness of the bishops' concerns about present border measures.
