US Roman Catholic Bishops Criticize White House Immigration Policies
Through a rare formal message, America's Catholic bishop leadership has issued a sharp criticism of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.
Formal Statement Shows Serious Worry
The bishops voiced being troubled by potential violations of the sacred nature of religious sites 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.
Atmosphere of Anxiety
Through their statement, the religious figures characterized what they called "a atmosphere of anxiety around questions of discrimination" and immigration policies.
They stated being disheartened by the current discussion and vilification of migrants, while opposing what they called "the blanket expulsion of people."
Other Worries
Religious leaders also raised major apprehensions about:
- Circumstances in migrant detention facilities
- Arbitrary removal of official documentation for some migrants
- Insufficiency in meaningful immigration reform
Administrative Shifts
The White House has pursued an stringent border policy since assuming power, including revoking policies that curtailed immigration detentions near protected areas such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.
Worldwide Dimension
The statement parallels equivalent concerns made by the Vatican leader, who has called for "thorough contemplation about the way immigrants are being addressed in the US under Trump."
Broader Implications
This marks the first official declaration of its nature in over a decade, emphasizing the gravity of the religious authorities' apprehensions about current immigration policies.