American Catholic Church Leaders Condemn White House Immigration Policies
In a uncommon public statement, the national Catholic bishops organization has issued a sharp criticism of the White House's immigration policies.
Official Declaration Shows Serious Worry
The bishops stated being disturbed by risks to the sacred nature of houses of worship and the protected status 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
In their message, the church leaders portrayed what they called "a environment of apprehension around questions of targeting" and immigration policies.
They revealed being saddened by the present discourse and demonization of foreign nationals, while resisting what they called "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Additional Concerns
Church authorities also expressed significant concerns about:
- Conditions in migrant detention facilities
- Random revocation of official documentation for some migrants
- Insufficiency in comprehensive immigration system improvements
Policy Changes
Federal authorities has advanced an stringent border policy since assuming power, including eliminating policies that restricted immigration detentions near designated sites such as religious institutions, medical facilities and educational centers.
Worldwide Dimension
The declaration parallels equivalent concerns made by the Catholic pontiff, who has urged "serious consideration about the way immigrants are being treated in the US under Trump."
Broader Implications
This marks the initial special message of its type in more than ten years, highlighting the significance of the bishops' concerns about present border measures.
