American Roman Catholic Church Leaders Denounce Trump Administration Border Enforcement
Via a uncommon official declaration, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has delivered a sharp criticism of the White House's immigration policies.
Formal Statement Reveals Significant Apprehension
Church leaders voiced being troubled by risks to the sacred nature of houses of worship and the special nature 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
Through their statement, the church leaders described what they termed "a environment of apprehension around questions of targeting" and immigration enforcement.
They stated being disappointed by the current discussion and demonization of foreign nationals, while resisting what they described as "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Further Issues
Church authorities also voiced serious worries about:
- Conditions in border holding facilities
- Unjustified cancellation of authorized standing for various foreign nationals
- Insufficiency in meaningful immigration reform
Policy Changes
Federal authorities 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.
International Context
The declaration echoes equivalent concerns made by the Vatican leader, who has called for "thorough contemplation about the way immigrants are being addressed in the US under present leadership."
Broader Implications
This marks the initial formal statement of its kind in more than ten years, emphasizing the significance of the church leaders' worries about present border measures.
