US Catholic Church Leaders Condemn White House Border Policies
In a rare official declaration, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has delivered a strong condemnation of the White House's immigration crackdown.
Special Message Expresses Significant Apprehension
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.
Environment of Apprehension
Within their declaration, the religious figures described what they called "a atmosphere of anxiety around questions of discrimination" and border control measures.
They stated being disheartened by the current discussion and demonization of foreign nationals, while resisting what they described as "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Additional Concerns
Church authorities also expressed major apprehensions about:
- Circumstances in immigration detention centers
- Unjustified cancellation of legal status for some migrants
- Absence of meaningful immigration reform
Administrative Shifts
Federal authorities has pursued an aggressive immigration agenda since assuming power, including eliminating policies that restricted immigration arrests near sensitive locations such as churches, hospitals and schools.
Worldwide Dimension
The declaration parallels comparable criticisms made by the Catholic pontiff, who has urged "deep reflection about the way foreign nationals are being handled in the US under present leadership."
Wider Consequences
This marks the initial formal statement of its nature in more than ten years, highlighting the significance of the church leaders' worries about current immigration policies.
