American Roman Catholic Church Leaders Condemn White House Border Enforcement
In a uncommon formal message, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued a strong condemnation of President Donald Trump's border enforcement measures.
Official Declaration Shows Significant Apprehension
Religious authorities voiced being disturbed by threats against the sanctity of houses of worship and the protected status of hospitals and schools.
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 described what they labeled "a atmosphere of anxiety around questions of profiling" and border control measures.
They expressed being disappointed by the present discourse and vilification of immigrants, while rejecting what they referred to as "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Further Issues
Church authorities also raised serious worries about:
- Circumstances in border holding facilities
- Random revocation of legal status for certain immigrants
- Insufficiency in comprehensive immigration system improvements
Policy Changes
The White House has advanced an tough immigration approach since assuming power, including eliminating policies that curtailed immigration apprehensions near designated sites such as churches, hospitals and schools.
Worldwide Dimension
The message echoes equivalent concerns made by Pope Leo, who has called for "serious consideration about the way migrants are being handled in the US under present leadership."
Broader Implications
This constitutes the premier official declaration of its type in more than ten years, highlighting the seriousness of the bishops' concerns about present border measures.
