American Catholic Church Leaders Criticize White House Immigration Policies
In a rare public statement, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has delivered a strong condemnation of the Trump administration's immigration policies.
Special Message Shows Serious Worry
The bishops expressed being disturbed by threats against the special status of churches and the special nature of healthcare centers and learning establishments.
Nations must maintain border control while developing equitable, systematic immigration processes that serve public welfare.
Climate of Fear
Through their statement, the church leaders described what they termed "a environment of apprehension around questions of targeting" and border control measures.
They expressed being disappointed by the present discourse and vilification of immigrants, while resisting what they described as "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Further Issues
Religious leaders also raised major apprehensions about:
- Situations in immigration detention centers
- Random revocation of authorized standing for certain immigrants
- Insufficiency in meaningful immigration reform
Administrative Shifts
Federal authorities has pursued an aggressive immigration agenda since beginning the term, including revoking policies that curtailed immigration detentions near protected areas such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.
International Context
The statement echoes equivalent concerns made by the Catholic pontiff, who has called for "serious consideration about the way immigrants are being addressed in the US under Trump."
Extended Ramifications
This marks the initial official declaration of its nature in more than ten years, emphasizing the significance of the church leaders' worries about present border measures.