American Roman Catholic Church Leaders Criticize Trump Administration Immigration Enforcement
Through a infrequent public statement, America's Catholic bishop leadership has delivered a sharp criticism of the White House's immigration policies.
Special Message Reveals Significant Apprehension
Church leaders voiced being concerned by risks to the sanctity of churches and the protected status of healthcare centers and learning establishments.
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.
Climate of Fear
Through their statement, the church leaders characterized what they labeled "a climate of fear around questions of profiling" and immigration enforcement.
They revealed being disheartened by the current discussion and negative portrayal of migrants, while opposing what they referred to as "the blanket expulsion of people."
Further Issues
Religious leaders also raised major apprehensions about:
- Situations in border holding facilities
- Arbitrary removal of legal status for some migrants
- Absence of substantial border policy changes
Policy Changes
The White House has advanced an tough immigration approach since taking office, including eliminating policies that limited immigration detentions near designated sites such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.
Worldwide Dimension
The declaration echoes similar critiques made by the Catholic pontiff, who has called for "thorough contemplation about the way immigrants are being handled in the US under Trump."
Wider Consequences
This marks the premier special message of its type in more than ten years, underscoring the gravity of the religious authorities' apprehensions about existing enforcement approaches.
