American Catholic Bishops Criticize Trump Administration Border Policies

Through a infrequent formal message, America's Catholic bishop leadership has issued a strong condemnation of the White House's immigration crackdown.

Special Message Shows Serious Worry

Religious authorities expressed being disturbed by threats against the special status of churches 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.

Atmosphere of Anxiety

Through their statement, the religious figures characterized what they labeled "a atmosphere of anxiety around questions of profiling" and immigration enforcement.

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

Additional Concerns

Church authorities also raised major apprehensions about:

• Circumstances in migrant detention facilities
• Random revocation of official documentation for certain immigrants
• Insufficiency in substantial border policy changes

Policy Changes

Federal authorities has pursued an aggressive immigration agenda since beginning the term, including eliminating policies that curtailed immigration arrests near sensitive locations such as religious institutions, medical facilities and educational centers.

International Context

The message mirrors comparable criticisms made by the Vatican leader, who has called for "deep reflection about the way foreign nationals are being addressed in the US under Trump."

Broader Implications

This constitutes the premier special message of its nature in over a decade, underscoring the gravity of the bishops' concerns about present border measures.