American Catholic Bishops Denounce White House Border Policies
Via a rare public statement, the national Catholic bishops organization has issued a strong condemnation of the White House's border enforcement measures.
Official Declaration Reveals Significant Apprehension
Church leaders expressed being troubled by risks to the special status of houses of worship and the protected status of medical facilities and educational institutions.
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
In their message, the religious figures characterized what they termed "a climate of fear around questions of discrimination" and immigration enforcement.
They revealed being saddened by the present discourse and negative portrayal of immigrants, while opposing what they called "the widespread removal of people."
Further Issues
The bishops also raised serious worries about:
- Conditions in immigration detention centers
- Unjustified cancellation of legal status for various foreign nationals
- Insufficiency in meaningful immigration reform
Policy Changes
The Trump administration has implemented an aggressive immigration agenda since assuming power, including revoking policies that limited immigration apprehensions near protected areas such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.
Worldwide Dimension
The statement echoes similar critiques made by the Catholic pontiff, who has advocated for "thorough contemplation about the way foreign nationals are being treated in the US under present leadership."
Extended Ramifications
This marks the premier official declaration of its type in more than ten years, highlighting the gravity of the religious authorities' apprehensions about present border measures.
