US Roman Catholic Church Leaders Condemn White House Immigration Enforcement
In a infrequent formal message, America's Catholic bishop leadership has released a firm denunciation of the White House's immigration policies.
Formal Statement Shows Significant Apprehension
The bishops stated being disturbed by risks to the special status of houses of worship and the protected status of hospitals and schools.
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.
Environment of Apprehension
Within their declaration, the bishops described what they called "a atmosphere of anxiety around questions of profiling" and immigration policies.
They stated being saddened by the ongoing debate and demonization of foreign nationals, while rejecting what they described as "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Other Worries
The bishops also raised significant concerns about:
- Conditions in immigration detention centers
- Arbitrary removal of official documentation for various foreign nationals
- Absence of meaningful immigration reform
Procedural Adjustments
Federal authorities has pursued an stringent border policy since beginning the term, including eliminating policies that restricted immigration detentions near sensitive locations such as religious institutions, medical facilities and educational centers.
Global Perspective
The declaration parallels equivalent concerns made by the Vatican leader, who has urged "thorough contemplation about the way immigrants are being addressed in the US under Trump."
Broader Implications
This marks the premier formal statement of its nature in more than ten years, emphasizing the gravity of the church leaders' worries about current immigration policies.
