American Roman Catholic Bishops Criticize Trump Administration Immigration Enforcement
In a rare official declaration, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has released a sharp criticism of President Donald Trump's border enforcement measures.
Formal Statement Expresses Significant Apprehension
Church leaders voiced being concerned by risks to the special status of churches and the special nature of hospitals and schools.
Nations must maintain border control while developing equitable, systematic immigration processes that serve public welfare.
Climate of Fear
Within their declaration, the religious figures characterized what they termed "a atmosphere of anxiety around questions of profiling" and immigration enforcement.
They expressed being disheartened by the ongoing debate and demonization of migrants, while rejecting what they called "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Additional Concerns
Religious leaders also expressed major apprehensions about:
- Situations in migrant detention facilities
- Random revocation of authorized standing for some migrants
- Absence of comprehensive immigration system improvements
Procedural Adjustments
Federal authorities has pursued an tough immigration approach since beginning the term, including eliminating policies that curtailed immigration arrests near protected areas such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.
Global Perspective
The statement mirrors comparable criticisms made by the Vatican leader, who has urged "serious consideration about the way foreign nationals are being treated in the US under present leadership."
Broader Implications
This marks the first special message of its kind in 12 years, underscoring the gravity of the religious authorities' apprehensions about current immigration policies.
