US Roman Catholic Church Leaders Condemn White House Immigration Policies
Via a infrequent public statement, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has delivered a firm denunciation of the White House's immigration crackdown.
Special Message Shows Deep Concern
The bishops voiced being troubled by potential violations of the sacred nature of churches and the special nature of hospitals and schools.
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.
Atmosphere of Anxiety
Through their statement, the church leaders portrayed what they called "a climate of fear around questions of targeting" and border control measures.
They stated being disheartened by the current discussion and demonization of foreign nationals, while opposing what they called "the blanket expulsion of people."
Other Worries
Religious leaders also expressed major apprehensions about:
- Situations in border holding facilities
- Random revocation of legal status for various foreign nationals
- Absence of substantial border policy changes
Administrative Shifts
Federal authorities has implemented an aggressive immigration agenda since assuming power, including revoking policies that limited immigration arrests near protected areas such as churches, hospitals and schools.
International Context
The statement mirrors equivalent concerns made by the Vatican leader, who has urged "deep reflection about the way immigrants are being handled in the US under present leadership."
Wider Consequences
This constitutes the premier formal statement of its type in over a decade, emphasizing the significance of the church leaders' worries about present border measures.
