American Roman Catholic Bishops Criticize White House Immigration Policies
In a rare official declaration, the national Catholic bishops organization has delivered a strong condemnation of President Donald Trump's immigration policies.
Official Declaration Expresses Serious Worry
Church leaders expressed being concerned by risks to the special status of religious sites and the protected status of hospitals and schools.
Nations must maintain border control while developing equitable, systematic immigration processes that serve public welfare.
Environment of Apprehension
Within their declaration, the religious figures characterized what they labeled "a environment of apprehension around questions of discrimination" and immigration policies.
They expressed being disheartened by the present discourse and demonization of immigrants, while resisting what they referred to as "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Additional Concerns
The bishops also voiced major apprehensions about:
- Situations in border holding facilities
- Unjustified cancellation of official documentation for various foreign nationals
- Insufficiency in comprehensive immigration system improvements
Policy Changes
Federal authorities has implemented an aggressive immigration agenda since taking office, including rescinding policies that restricted immigration apprehensions near sensitive locations such as churches, hospitals and schools.
Worldwide Dimension
The message echoes comparable criticisms made by Pope Leo, who has urged "deep reflection about the way immigrants are being treated in the US under the current administration."
Extended Ramifications
This represents the premier official declaration of its nature in more than ten years, underscoring the seriousness of the church leaders' worries about present border measures.