American Catholic Church Leaders Condemn White House Immigration Enforcement
Via a uncommon formal message, America's Catholic bishop leadership has released a firm denunciation of the Trump administration's immigration policies.
Official Declaration Expresses Serious Worry
The bishops stated being troubled by potential violations of the sanctity of houses of worship and the unique character 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
Within their declaration, the bishops portrayed what they called "a climate of fear around questions of profiling" and immigration policies.
They stated being saddened by the current discussion and vilification of foreign nationals, while resisting what they called "the widespread removal of people."
Additional Concerns
Religious leaders also voiced serious worries about:
- Conditions in border holding facilities
- Unjustified cancellation of authorized standing for some migrants
- Lack of meaningful immigration reform
Administrative Shifts
Federal authorities has advanced an stringent border policy since assuming power, including rescinding policies that restricted immigration detentions near designated sites such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.
Worldwide Dimension
The declaration parallels equivalent concerns made by Pope Leo, who has called for "thorough contemplation about the way foreign nationals are being addressed in the US under present leadership."
Extended Ramifications
This constitutes the first special message of its type in more than ten years, emphasizing the gravity of the religious authorities' apprehensions about existing enforcement approaches.
