American Roman Catholic Church Leaders Denounce White House Immigration Enforcement
Via a uncommon official declaration, the national Catholic bishops organization has released a strong condemnation of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.
Formal Statement Reveals Serious Worry
The bishops voiced being disturbed by potential violations of the sacred nature of houses of worship 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.
Climate of Fear
In their message, the church leaders described what they termed "a atmosphere of anxiety around questions of targeting" and immigration policies.
They stated being disappointed by the current discussion and vilification of foreign nationals, while opposing what they described as "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Further Issues
Religious leaders also voiced major apprehensions about:
- Circumstances in migrant detention facilities
- Arbitrary removal of authorized standing for certain immigrants
- Lack of comprehensive immigration system improvements
Administrative Shifts
Federal authorities has pursued an aggressive immigration agenda since taking office, including revoking policies that curtailed immigration detentions near designated sites such as churches, hospitals and schools.
International Context
The declaration parallels equivalent concerns made by the Vatican leader, who has called for "thorough contemplation about the way foreign nationals are being addressed in the US under the current administration."
Extended Ramifications
This marks the premier formal statement of its nature in over a decade, underscoring the gravity of the church leaders' worries about current immigration policies.
