American Catholic Bishops Denounce White House Border Policies
In a uncommon public statement, America's Catholic bishop leadership has released a firm denunciation of the Trump administration's border enforcement measures.
Official Declaration Shows Significant Apprehension
Religious authorities expressed being troubled by risks to the sacred nature of religious sites and the protected status of healthcare centers and learning establishments.
Nations must maintain border control while developing equitable, systematic immigration processes that serve public welfare.
Environment of Apprehension
Through their statement, the religious figures described what they termed "a climate of fear around questions of profiling" and border control measures.
They revealed being disheartened by the current discussion and vilification of foreign nationals, while rejecting what they described as "the blanket expulsion of people."
Additional Concerns
The bishops also expressed major apprehensions about:
- Conditions in migrant detention facilities
- Arbitrary removal of authorized standing for some migrants
- Lack of substantial border policy changes
Policy Changes
The White House has advanced an aggressive immigration agenda since assuming power, including eliminating policies that restricted immigration apprehensions near sensitive locations such as churches, hospitals and schools.
Global Perspective
The message parallels equivalent concerns made by the Catholic pontiff, who has urged "thorough contemplation about the way foreign nationals are being addressed in the US under Trump."
Broader Implications
This constitutes the first special message of its nature in over a decade, highlighting the seriousness of the religious authorities' apprehensions about present border measures.
