US Roman Catholic Bishops Condemn Trump Administration Border Policies
In a rare public statement, the national Catholic bishops organization has issued a strong condemnation of the White House's immigration policies.
Special Message Expresses Serious Worry
The bishops expressed being concerned by threats against the sanctity of churches and the protected status of hospitals and schools.
Nations must maintain border control while developing equitable, systematic immigration processes that serve public welfare.
Environment of Apprehension
Through their statement, the religious figures portrayed what they termed "a climate of fear around questions of discrimination" and immigration policies.
They expressed being disheartened by the current discussion and vilification of migrants, while resisting what they described as "the blanket expulsion of people."
Other Worries
Church authorities also voiced major apprehensions about:
- Conditions in border holding facilities
- Arbitrary removal of authorized standing for certain immigrants
- Lack of meaningful immigration reform
Administrative Shifts
Federal authorities has advanced an stringent border policy since taking office, including revoking policies that limited immigration detentions near designated sites such as religious institutions, medical facilities and educational centers.
Worldwide Dimension
The message echoes equivalent concerns made by the Catholic pontiff, who has called for "serious consideration about the way migrants are being handled in the US under Trump."
Wider Consequences
This marks the first official declaration of its type in more than ten years, highlighting the seriousness of the religious authorities' apprehensions about present border measures.
