American Roman Catholic Bishops Denounce Trump Administration Border Policies
Via a rare formal message, America's Catholic bishop leadership has issued a sharp criticism of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.
Official Declaration Expresses Serious Worry
Church leaders voiced being troubled by threats against the sacred nature of houses of worship and the special nature of healthcare centers and learning establishments.
Countries bear the duty to manage their boundaries and create fair, organized immigration frameworks for the benefit of all.
Atmosphere of Anxiety
Through their statement, the church leaders described what they called "a atmosphere of anxiety around questions of targeting" and immigration policies.
They revealed being saddened by the ongoing debate and vilification of migrants, while opposing what they called "the widespread removal of people."
Other Worries
Church authorities also raised major apprehensions about:
- Situations in immigration detention centers
- Arbitrary removal of legal status for some migrants
- Insufficiency in substantial border policy changes
Policy Changes
The Trump administration has pursued an tough immigration approach since beginning the term, including revoking policies that limited immigration arrests near protected areas such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.
Global Perspective
The statement parallels equivalent concerns made by the Vatican leader, who has advocated for "thorough contemplation about the way immigrants are being addressed in the US under the current administration."
Broader Implications
This marks the first special message of its type in more than ten years, emphasizing the gravity of the religious authorities' apprehensions about current immigration policies.