American Roman Catholic Bishops Condemn White House Border Policies
Through a uncommon official declaration, the national Catholic bishops organization has issued a firm denunciation of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.
Formal Statement Expresses Serious Worry
Religious authorities stated being concerned by potential violations of the sacred nature of churches 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.
Environment of Apprehension
Within their declaration, the bishops portrayed what they labeled "a environment of apprehension around questions of profiling" and immigration policies.
They expressed being disappointed by the ongoing debate and negative portrayal of migrants, while rejecting what they called "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Further Issues
The bishops also raised significant concerns about:
- Circumstances in border holding facilities
- Unjustified cancellation of official documentation for some migrants
- Insufficiency in substantial border policy changes
Procedural Adjustments
The White House has pursued an aggressive immigration agenda since beginning the term, including revoking policies that curtailed immigration arrests near designated sites such as religious institutions, medical facilities and educational centers.
Global Perspective
The declaration parallels equivalent concerns made by Pope Leo, who has called for "serious consideration about the way migrants are being handled in the US under the current administration."
Wider Consequences
This marks the initial official declaration of its kind in over a decade, emphasizing the seriousness of the religious authorities' apprehensions about present border measures.
