US Catholic Bishops Denounce Trump Administration Border Enforcement
In a uncommon official declaration, the national Catholic bishops organization has released a firm denunciation of President Donald Trump's border enforcement measures.
Formal Statement Expresses Significant Apprehension
The bishops expressed being troubled by threats against the special status of houses of worship and the protected status 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
Through their statement, the religious figures characterized what they called "a atmosphere of anxiety around questions of profiling" and border control measures.
They stated being saddened by the present discourse and vilification of immigrants, while resisting what they described as "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Other Worries
Church authorities also raised serious worries about:
- Circumstances in border holding facilities
- Random revocation of legal status for various foreign nationals
- Lack of comprehensive immigration system improvements
Procedural Adjustments
Federal authorities has implemented an aggressive immigration agenda since assuming power, including revoking policies that curtailed immigration detentions near sensitive locations such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.
International Context
The message mirrors equivalent concerns made by the Vatican leader, who has urged "serious consideration about the way foreign nationals are being addressed in the US under Trump."
Extended Ramifications
This constitutes the first special message of its type in more than ten years, underscoring the seriousness of the religious authorities' apprehensions about current immigration policies.
