US Roman Catholic Bishops Criticize White House Border Policies
Via a infrequent formal message, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued a sharp criticism of the White House's immigration crackdown.
Special Message Expresses Serious Worry
Church leaders expressed being concerned by potential violations of the sacred nature of houses of worship and the special nature of medical facilities and educational institutions.
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.
Atmosphere of Anxiety
Within their declaration, the religious figures described what they called "a environment of apprehension around questions of profiling" and immigration enforcement.
They expressed being disappointed by the present discourse and negative portrayal of immigrants, while rejecting what they called "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Additional Concerns
The bishops also voiced significant concerns about:
- Circumstances in migrant detention facilities
- Random revocation of legal status for various foreign nationals
- Absence of substantial border policy changes
Policy Changes
Federal authorities has advanced an tough immigration approach since taking office, including eliminating policies that curtailed immigration apprehensions near sensitive locations such as churches, hospitals and schools.
International Context
The message echoes comparable criticisms made by the Vatican leader, who has urged "thorough contemplation about the way immigrants are being handled in the US under present leadership."
Extended Ramifications
This marks the initial formal statement of its type in 12 years, emphasizing the seriousness of the bishops' concerns about existing enforcement approaches.
