American Roman Catholic Bishops Denounce Trump Administration Immigration Policies

Through a rare public statement, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued a strong condemnation of the Trump administration's border enforcement measures.

Formal Statement Expresses Significant Apprehension

Religious authorities stated being disturbed by threats against the sacred nature of houses of worship and the protected status 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.

Climate of Fear

Through their statement, the religious figures described what they called "a environment of apprehension around questions of targeting" and border control measures.

They revealed being disappointed by the present discourse and negative portrayal of foreign nationals, while resisting what they described as "the blanket expulsion of people."

Other Worries

Church authorities also expressed significant concerns about:

• Conditions in immigration detention centers
• Unjustified cancellation of authorized standing for certain immigrants
• Insufficiency in meaningful immigration reform

Policy Changes

Federal authorities has implemented an aggressive immigration agenda since beginning the term, including revoking policies that limited immigration detentions near sensitive locations such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.

Worldwide Dimension

The message parallels comparable criticisms made by the Catholic pontiff, who has urged "thorough contemplation about the way migrants are being handled in the US under the current administration."

Extended Ramifications

This represents the premier special message of its nature in over a decade, emphasizing the gravity of the religious authorities' apprehensions about current immigration policies.