American Roman Catholic Church Leaders Denounce Trump Administration Immigration Policies
In a rare formal message, America's Catholic bishop leadership has issued a firm denunciation of the Trump administration's border enforcement measures.
Official Declaration Shows Serious Worry
Church leaders expressed being concerned by potential violations of the sanctity of houses of worship and the unique character of medical facilities and educational institutions.
Countries bear the duty to manage their boundaries and create fair, organized immigration frameworks for the benefit of all.
Climate of Fear
Within their declaration, the bishops described what they called "a atmosphere of anxiety around questions of discrimination" and immigration policies.
They expressed being disheartened by the present discourse and negative portrayal of foreign nationals, while resisting what they called "the widespread removal of people."
Other Worries
The bishops also expressed serious worries about:
- Conditions in migrant detention facilities
- Arbitrary removal of official documentation for various foreign nationals
- Absence of substantial border policy changes
Policy Changes
Federal authorities has pursued an aggressive immigration agenda since taking office, including revoking policies that limited immigration arrests near designated sites such as churches, hospitals and schools.
International Context
The message echoes comparable criticisms made by the Catholic pontiff, who has called for "thorough contemplation about the way migrants are being handled in the US under present leadership."
Broader Implications
This represents the first formal statement of its kind in more than ten years, highlighting the significance of the religious authorities' apprehensions about present border measures.
