American Catholic Bishops Denounce White House Border Policies
Via a rare official declaration, America's Catholic bishop leadership has released a sharp criticism of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.
Special Message Expresses Deep Concern
Religious authorities expressed being concerned by threats against the special status of religious sites and the protected status of medical facilities and educational institutions.
Nations must maintain border control while developing equitable, systematic immigration processes that serve public welfare.
Climate of Fear
Within their declaration, the church leaders described what they termed "a atmosphere of anxiety around questions of targeting" and border control measures.
They revealed being saddened by the current discussion and vilification of migrants, while resisting what they referred to as "the widespread removal of people."
Further Issues
Church authorities also voiced significant concerns about:
- Situations in border holding facilities
- Arbitrary removal of authorized standing for certain immigrants
- Lack of meaningful immigration reform
Procedural Adjustments
The White House has advanced an tough immigration approach since assuming power, including eliminating policies that limited immigration arrests near sensitive locations such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.
International Context
The declaration echoes comparable criticisms made by Pope Leo, who has urged "thorough contemplation about the way migrants are being handled in the US under present leadership."
Wider Consequences
This represents the premier formal statement of its kind in 12 years, underscoring the significance of the religious authorities' apprehensions about existing enforcement approaches.
