American Catholic Bishops Criticize White House Border Enforcement
In a rare formal message, the national Catholic bishops organization has delivered a sharp criticism of the White House's immigration crackdown.
Formal Statement Shows Serious Worry
Religious authorities expressed being concerned by potential violations of the sacred nature of churches and the unique character 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 termed "a atmosphere of anxiety around questions of profiling" and border control measures.
They expressed being disappointed by the present discourse and demonization of immigrants, while rejecting what they described as "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Additional Concerns
The bishops also voiced serious worries about:
- Circumstances in border holding facilities
- Arbitrary removal of legal status for some migrants
- Absence of substantial border policy changes
Procedural Adjustments
Federal authorities has advanced an aggressive immigration agenda since assuming power, including revoking policies that restricted immigration arrests near sensitive locations such as churches, hospitals and schools.
Global Perspective
The statement mirrors similar critiques made by the Vatican leader, who has called for "serious consideration about the way immigrants are being addressed in the US under the current administration."
Extended Ramifications
This represents the premier official declaration of its nature in more than ten years, highlighting the seriousness of the church leaders' worries about present border measures.
