US Roman Catholic Bishops Criticize White House Border Policies
Via a uncommon public statement, America's Catholic bishop leadership has released a strong condemnation of the White House's border enforcement measures.
Special Message Expresses Significant Apprehension
Church leaders expressed being concerned by threats against the sacred nature of religious sites and the special nature of hospitals and schools.
Countries bear the duty to manage their boundaries and create fair, organized immigration frameworks for the benefit of all.
Environment of Apprehension
Through their statement, the church leaders described what they termed "a atmosphere of anxiety around questions of profiling" and immigration policies.
They stated being disheartened by the current discussion and vilification of immigrants, while opposing what they called "the blanket expulsion of people."
Further Issues
The bishops also voiced major apprehensions about:
- Circumstances in immigration detention centers
- Random revocation of legal status for some migrants
- Insufficiency in meaningful immigration reform
Administrative Shifts
Federal authorities has advanced an stringent border policy since beginning the term, including rescinding policies that curtailed immigration arrests near protected areas such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.
Global Perspective
The statement echoes similar critiques made by the Catholic pontiff, who has called for "thorough contemplation about the way immigrants are being treated in the US under the current administration."
Broader Implications
This constitutes the premier formal statement of its kind in over a decade, highlighting the seriousness of the bishops' concerns about current immigration policies.
