American Roman Catholic Church Leaders Criticize Trump Administration Immigration Enforcement
Via a infrequent formal message, the national Catholic bishops organization has delivered a strong condemnation of the Trump administration's immigration policies.
Official Declaration Expresses Significant Apprehension
Religious authorities voiced being concerned by threats against the sanctity 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.
Climate of Fear
Within their declaration, the church leaders characterized what they labeled "a climate of fear around questions of profiling" and immigration enforcement.
They stated being disappointed by the ongoing debate and vilification of immigrants, while rejecting what they referred to as "the blanket expulsion of people."
Further Issues
Religious leaders also raised serious worries about:
- Situations in immigration detention centers
- Random revocation of legal status for various foreign nationals
- Lack of comprehensive immigration system improvements
Administrative Shifts
The Trump administration has pursued an tough immigration approach since assuming power, including revoking policies that curtailed immigration detentions near sensitive locations such as religious institutions, medical facilities and educational centers.
Worldwide Dimension
The message echoes comparable criticisms made by the Vatican leader, who has urged "thorough contemplation about the way foreign nationals are being handled in the US under present leadership."
Wider Consequences
This represents the first special message of its kind in over a decade, highlighting the significance of the religious authorities' apprehensions about existing enforcement approaches.
