American Roman Catholic Church Leaders Criticize White House Border Enforcement
Via a infrequent official declaration, America's Catholic bishop leadership has issued a sharp criticism of President Donald Trump's border enforcement measures.
Official Declaration Shows Deep Concern
The bishops voiced being concerned by potential violations of the sacred nature of houses of worship and the protected status of hospitals and schools.
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.
Environment of Apprehension
Within their declaration, the bishops described what they labeled "a environment of apprehension around questions of targeting" and immigration enforcement.
They revealed being saddened by the current discussion and demonization of immigrants, while opposing what they described as "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Other Worries
The bishops also raised serious worries about:
- Circumstances in border holding facilities
- Unjustified cancellation of official documentation for various foreign nationals
- Lack of meaningful immigration reform
Policy Changes
Federal authorities has pursued an stringent border policy since taking office, including revoking policies that limited immigration arrests near protected areas such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.
Worldwide Dimension
The declaration parallels equivalent concerns made by the Catholic pontiff, who has urged "thorough contemplation about the way migrants are being handled in the US under the current administration."
Wider Consequences
This represents the first special message of its type in 12 years, emphasizing the gravity of the religious authorities' apprehensions about existing enforcement approaches.
