American Catholic Bishops Criticize White House Border Enforcement
Via a infrequent official declaration, the national Catholic bishops organization has delivered a sharp criticism of the Trump administration's border enforcement measures.
Formal Statement Shows Serious Worry
Church leaders voiced being troubled by potential violations of the sanctity of houses of worship and the special nature of hospitals and schools.
Nations must maintain border control while developing equitable, systematic immigration processes that serve public welfare.
Climate of Fear
Through their statement, the church leaders characterized what they labeled "a atmosphere of anxiety around questions of profiling" and border control measures.
They expressed being disheartened by the ongoing debate and demonization of foreign nationals, while opposing what they referred to as "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Other Worries
The bishops also voiced serious worries about:
- Situations in border holding facilities
- Arbitrary removal of legal status for some migrants
- Lack of meaningful immigration reform
Policy Changes
The Trump administration has implemented an tough immigration approach since assuming power, including rescinding policies that limited immigration arrests near sensitive locations such as churches, hospitals and schools.
International Context
The message parallels comparable criticisms made by the Vatican leader, who has called for "thorough contemplation about the way migrants are being addressed in the US under present leadership."
Extended Ramifications
This marks the premier formal statement of its type in over a decade, underscoring the gravity of the religious authorities' apprehensions about present border measures.
