American Catholic Church Leaders Criticize White House Border Policies
In a rare public statement, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued a firm denunciation of the White House's immigration policies.
Formal Statement Expresses Significant Apprehension
Church leaders voiced being disturbed by risks to the special status of religious sites and the protected status of healthcare centers and learning establishments.
Countries bear the duty to manage their boundaries and create fair, organized immigration frameworks for the benefit of all.
Climate of Fear
Through their statement, the bishops characterized what they termed "a atmosphere of anxiety around questions of profiling" and immigration enforcement.
They expressed being disheartened by the current discussion and vilification of foreign nationals, while resisting what they described as "the blanket expulsion of people."
Further Issues
Religious leaders also expressed significant concerns about:
- Situations in migrant detention facilities
- Arbitrary removal of legal status for certain immigrants
- Insufficiency in substantial border policy changes
Administrative Shifts
The White House has pursued an aggressive immigration agenda since taking office, including revoking policies that limited immigration detentions near designated sites such as churches, hospitals and schools.
International Context
The message echoes similar critiques made by the Catholic pontiff, who has called for "thorough contemplation about the way immigrants are being handled in the US under the current administration."
Extended Ramifications
This constitutes the initial special message of its type in 12 years, underscoring the seriousness of the bishops' concerns about current immigration policies.
