American Roman Catholic Church Leaders Criticize Trump Administration Border Enforcement
Via a rare official declaration, America's Catholic bishop leadership has issued a sharp criticism of the Trump administration's immigration policies.
Official Declaration Shows Serious Worry
Church leaders expressed being troubled by threats against the sacred nature of religious sites and the special nature of healthcare centers and learning establishments.
Nations must maintain border control while developing equitable, systematic immigration processes that serve public welfare.
Climate of Fear
Within their declaration, the bishops described what they termed "a climate of fear around questions of targeting" and immigration policies.
They expressed being disheartened by the ongoing debate and vilification of immigrants, while rejecting what they called "the widespread removal of people."
Further Issues
Religious leaders also voiced significant concerns about:
- Situations in migrant detention facilities
- Unjustified cancellation of legal status for certain immigrants
- Lack of meaningful immigration reform
Administrative Shifts
Federal authorities has advanced an stringent border policy since assuming power, including revoking policies that limited immigration arrests near protected areas such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.
Worldwide Dimension
The message echoes equivalent concerns made by the Catholic pontiff, who has called for "thorough contemplation about the way foreign nationals are being handled in the US under present leadership."
Wider Consequences
This represents the premier formal statement of its nature in 12 years, emphasizing the gravity of the church leaders' worries about current immigration policies.
