US Roman Catholic Bishops Denounce Trump Administration Immigration Policies
Via a rare public statement, America's Catholic bishop leadership has delivered a sharp criticism of the Trump administration's immigration policies.
Official Declaration Reveals Serious Worry
Religious authorities voiced being concerned by risks to the special status of religious sites and the protected status 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.
Climate of Fear
Within their declaration, the church leaders described what they called "a climate of fear around questions of targeting" and border control measures.
They revealed being disappointed by the present discourse and vilification of immigrants, while opposing what they called "the blanket expulsion of people."
Other Worries
Church authorities also expressed major apprehensions about:
- Conditions in migrant detention facilities
- Arbitrary removal of authorized standing for certain immigrants
- Lack of comprehensive immigration system improvements
Procedural Adjustments
The Trump administration has pursued an stringent border policy since assuming power, including eliminating policies that restricted immigration detentions near protected areas such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.
International Context
The statement parallels comparable criticisms made by the Catholic pontiff, who has urged "serious consideration about the way immigrants are being handled in the US under Trump."
Wider Consequences
This marks the initial official declaration of its nature in over a decade, underscoring the gravity of the religious authorities' apprehensions about current immigration policies.