American Catholic Bishops Denounce Trump Administration Border Policies
Via a infrequent formal message, the national Catholic bishops organization has released a strong condemnation of President Donald Trump's immigration policies.
Special Message Expresses Significant Apprehension
The bishops voiced being disturbed by threats against the sacred nature of religious sites 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.
Climate of Fear
Through their statement, the church leaders described what they called "a climate of fear around questions of profiling" and border control measures.
They expressed being disappointed by the ongoing debate and vilification of migrants, while opposing what they called "the blanket expulsion of people."
Additional Concerns
The bishops also voiced significant concerns about:
- Circumstances in immigration detention centers
- Unjustified cancellation of official documentation for certain immigrants
- Lack of meaningful immigration reform
Procedural Adjustments
Federal authorities has advanced an aggressive immigration agenda since taking office, including eliminating policies that curtailed immigration detentions near protected areas such as churches, hospitals and schools.
Global Perspective
The statement echoes equivalent concerns made by Pope Leo, who has called for "serious consideration about the way immigrants are being treated in the US under present leadership."
Broader Implications
This constitutes the initial special message of its nature in over a decade, highlighting the seriousness of the church leaders' worries about current immigration policies.
