US Roman Catholic Church Leaders Denounce Trump Administration Border Policies
In a rare public statement, America's Catholic bishop leadership has delivered a sharp criticism of the White House's immigration policies.
Official Declaration Expresses Serious Worry
Church leaders voiced being concerned by potential violations of the sanctity of houses of worship and the special nature of healthcare centers and learning establishments.
Countries bear the duty to manage their boundaries and create fair, organized immigration frameworks for the benefit of all.
Climate of Fear
Within their declaration, the religious figures described what they called "a environment of apprehension around questions of profiling" and immigration policies.
They expressed being disheartened by the current discussion and demonization of migrants, while resisting what they called "the widespread removal of people."
Further Issues
Religious leaders also raised serious worries about:
- Conditions in migrant detention facilities
- Random revocation of official documentation for various foreign nationals
- Insufficiency in comprehensive immigration system improvements
Administrative Shifts
Federal authorities has pursued an tough immigration approach since assuming power, including eliminating policies that limited immigration arrests near designated sites such as churches, hospitals and schools.
Worldwide Dimension
The statement parallels equivalent concerns made by the Catholic pontiff, who has called for "deep reflection about the way foreign nationals are being treated in the US under present leadership."
Extended Ramifications
This marks the premier official declaration of its kind in over a decade, underscoring the gravity of the bishops' concerns about present border measures.
