US Roman Catholic Bishops Condemn White House Border Enforcement
Via a uncommon public statement, the national Catholic bishops organization has released a strong condemnation of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.
Special Message Reveals Significant Apprehension
Church leaders voiced being troubled by threats against the special status of houses of worship and the special nature 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
Through their statement, the church leaders characterized what they called "a atmosphere of anxiety around questions of profiling" and border control measures.
They revealed being saddened by the current discussion and vilification of immigrants, while opposing what they called "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Additional Concerns
Religious leaders also expressed serious worries about:
- Situations in immigration detention centers
- Random revocation of legal status for certain immigrants
- Insufficiency in meaningful immigration reform
Administrative Shifts
Federal authorities has pursued an stringent border policy since taking office, including rescinding policies that restricted immigration arrests near protected areas such as religious institutions, medical facilities and educational centers.
International Context
The message parallels similar critiques made by the Vatican leader, who has called for "thorough contemplation about the way foreign nationals are being addressed in the US under the current administration."
Broader Implications
This represents the initial official declaration of its kind in more than ten years, emphasizing the significance of the religious authorities' apprehensions about existing enforcement approaches.