American Catholic Church Leaders Criticize White House Border Enforcement
In a uncommon official declaration, America's Catholic bishop leadership has released a strong condemnation of the White House's immigration crackdown.
Official Declaration Reveals Significant Apprehension
Religious authorities voiced being troubled by threats against the sanctity of houses of worship and the protected status 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.
Environment of Apprehension
Within their declaration, the church leaders portrayed what they labeled "a environment of apprehension around questions of profiling" and border control measures.
They stated being saddened by the present discourse and negative portrayal of migrants, while opposing what they described as "the widespread removal of people."
Further Issues
Religious leaders also voiced major apprehensions 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 aggressive immigration agenda since assuming power, including revoking policies that curtailed immigration detentions near designated sites such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.
International Context
The statement echoes similar critiques made by the Catholic pontiff, who has urged "thorough contemplation about the way migrants are being treated in the US under the current administration."
Extended Ramifications
This represents the first formal statement of its type in 12 years, highlighting the significance of the church leaders' worries about current immigration policies.
