US Roman Catholic Church Leaders Condemn White House Immigration Enforcement
Via a rare public statement, America's Catholic bishop leadership has delivered a sharp criticism of the White House's border enforcement measures.
Formal Statement Reveals Deep Concern
Religious authorities stated being disturbed by risks to the special status 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.
Climate of Fear
Within their declaration, the bishops characterized what they called "a atmosphere of anxiety around questions of profiling" and border control measures.
They stated being disappointed by the present discourse and negative portrayal of migrants, while opposing what they referred to as "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Further Issues
Church authorities also expressed serious worries about:
- Conditions in migrant detention facilities
- Unjustified cancellation of authorized standing for some migrants
- Insufficiency in substantial border policy changes
Policy Changes
The White House has pursued an stringent border policy since beginning the term, including rescinding policies that limited immigration detentions near protected areas such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.
International Context
The statement mirrors equivalent concerns made by the Catholic pontiff, who has urged "thorough contemplation about the way immigrants are being treated in the US under the current administration."
Wider Consequences
This represents the initial special message of its type in 12 years, emphasizing the seriousness of the church leaders' worries about present border measures.
