US Roman Catholic Bishops Denounce White House Border Enforcement
In a rare formal message, America's Catholic bishop leadership has issued a firm denunciation of the White House's immigration crackdown.
Formal Statement Reveals Serious Worry
Religious authorities stated being disturbed by threats against the special status of religious sites and the special nature 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.
Atmosphere of Anxiety
In their message, the religious figures characterized what they termed "a environment of apprehension around questions of profiling" and immigration enforcement.
They stated being saddened by the present discourse and negative portrayal of immigrants, while opposing what they described as "the blanket expulsion of people."
Other Worries
Religious leaders also expressed major apprehensions about:
- Situations in immigration detention centers
- Arbitrary removal of authorized standing for various foreign nationals
- Lack of meaningful immigration reform
Administrative Shifts
Federal authorities has advanced an aggressive immigration agenda since assuming power, including revoking policies that curtailed immigration apprehensions near sensitive locations such as churches, hospitals and schools.
Worldwide Dimension
The statement echoes equivalent concerns made by the Catholic pontiff, who has called for "deep reflection about the way foreign nationals are being addressed in the US under present leadership."
Extended Ramifications
This marks the first formal statement of its kind in over a decade, emphasizing the gravity of the religious authorities' apprehensions about existing enforcement approaches.
