American Catholic Church Leaders Denounce White House Immigration Policies
Via a rare official declaration, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued a strong condemnation of President Donald Trump's immigration policies.
Special Message Shows Significant Apprehension
Religious authorities voiced being troubled by risks to the sacred nature of religious sites and the special nature of hospitals and schools.
Countries bear the duty to manage their boundaries and create fair, organized immigration frameworks for the benefit of all.
Atmosphere of Anxiety
Through their statement, the religious figures characterized what they labeled "a atmosphere of anxiety around questions of profiling" and immigration policies.
They revealed being disappointed by the ongoing debate and vilification of migrants, while opposing what they called "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Additional Concerns
The bishops also raised serious worries about:
- Conditions in immigration detention centers
- Arbitrary removal of official documentation for certain immigrants
- Lack of meaningful immigration reform
Policy Changes
Federal authorities has pursued an stringent border policy since taking office, including rescinding policies that curtailed immigration detentions near designated sites such as religious institutions, medical facilities and educational centers.
Worldwide Dimension
The statement mirrors similar critiques made by Pope Leo, who has urged "thorough contemplation about the way foreign nationals are being treated in the US under present leadership."
Wider Consequences
This marks the premier formal statement of its nature in more than ten years, emphasizing the gravity of the religious authorities' apprehensions about present border measures.
