American Catholic Church Leaders Condemn Trump Administration Border Enforcement
Via a uncommon official declaration, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has released a firm denunciation of the Trump administration's border enforcement measures.
Formal Statement Expresses Significant Apprehension
The bishops voiced being concerned by threats against the special status of religious sites 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 described what they labeled "a climate of fear around questions of targeting" and immigration policies.
They expressed being disheartened by the ongoing debate and negative portrayal of foreign nationals, while resisting what they called "the blanket expulsion of people."
Other Worries
Church authorities also expressed serious worries about:
- Situations in border holding facilities
- Unjustified cancellation of legal status for various foreign nationals
- Absence of substantial border policy changes
Administrative Shifts
The Trump administration has advanced an stringent border policy since taking office, including eliminating policies that limited immigration arrests near sensitive locations such as churches, hospitals and schools.
International Context
The statement parallels comparable criticisms made by Pope Leo, who has called for "serious consideration about the way immigrants are being treated in the US under present leadership."
Wider Consequences
This marks the initial formal statement of its nature in more than ten years, emphasizing the gravity of the religious authorities' apprehensions about present border measures.
