American Catholic Church Leaders Criticize White House Border Policies
In a rare formal message, America's Catholic bishop leadership has issued a strong condemnation of the Trump administration's border enforcement measures.
Official Declaration Shows Deep Concern
The bishops expressed being concerned by risks to the special status of churches and the unique character of hospitals and schools.
Countries bear the duty to manage their boundaries and create fair, organized immigration frameworks for the benefit of all.
Environment of Apprehension
Within their declaration, the religious figures described what they termed "a environment of apprehension around questions of profiling" and immigration policies.
They revealed being disappointed by the current discussion and demonization of immigrants, while rejecting what they called "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Additional Concerns
Religious leaders also expressed major apprehensions about:
- Circumstances in migrant detention facilities
- Arbitrary removal of official documentation for certain immigrants
- Lack of substantial border policy changes
Procedural Adjustments
The Trump administration has pursued an stringent border policy since beginning the term, including eliminating policies that limited immigration apprehensions near protected areas such as religious institutions, medical facilities and educational centers.
International Context
The message echoes equivalent concerns made by the Vatican leader, who has advocated for "thorough contemplation about the way immigrants are being addressed in the US under the current administration."
Wider Consequences
This constitutes the premier special message of its type in 12 years, underscoring the gravity of the church leaders' worries about existing enforcement approaches.