American Catholic Church Leaders Criticize White House Border Policies
In a rare formal message, America's Catholic bishop leadership has released a strong condemnation of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.
Formal Statement Shows Serious Worry
Church leaders expressed being disturbed by threats against the sacred nature of churches and the special nature 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 bishops portrayed what they termed "a climate of fear around questions of discrimination" and immigration policies.
They revealed being saddened by the ongoing debate and vilification of immigrants, while rejecting what they referred to as "the widespread removal of people."
Additional Concerns
The bishops also raised significant concerns about:
- Situations in migrant detention facilities
- Random revocation of legal status for certain immigrants
- Lack of meaningful immigration reform
Procedural Adjustments
Federal authorities has pursued an stringent border policy since beginning the term, including rescinding policies that restricted immigration arrests near protected areas such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.
Global Perspective
The statement parallels comparable criticisms made by Pope Leo, who has called for "serious consideration about the way migrants are being treated in the US under the current administration."
Broader Implications
This constitutes the premier formal statement of its type in more than ten years, underscoring the gravity of the bishops' concerns about current immigration policies.
