US Catholic Church Leaders Denounce White House Border Enforcement
In a infrequent formal message, the national Catholic bishops organization has delivered a strong condemnation of the White House's immigration crackdown.
Formal Statement Expresses Serious Worry
Church leaders expressed being troubled by potential violations of the special status of churches 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.
Environment of Apprehension
Within their declaration, the church leaders portrayed what they called "a environment of apprehension around questions of profiling" and immigration policies.
They revealed being disheartened by the ongoing debate and demonization of immigrants, while opposing what they described as "the blanket expulsion of people."
Additional Concerns
Religious leaders also raised major apprehensions about:
- Conditions in border holding facilities
- Arbitrary removal of legal status for certain immigrants
- Insufficiency in comprehensive immigration system improvements
Policy Changes
The Trump administration has implemented an stringent border policy since taking office, including rescinding policies that limited immigration detentions near designated sites such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.
Worldwide Dimension
The statement echoes similar critiques made by the Catholic pontiff, who has called for "serious consideration about the way foreign nationals are being treated in the US under present leadership."
Broader Implications
This constitutes the initial official declaration of its type in over a decade, emphasizing the gravity of the religious authorities' apprehensions about present border measures.
