American Catholic Bishops Criticize Trump Administration Immigration Policies

In a rare formal message, America's Catholic bishop leadership has issued a strong condemnation of the Trump administration's immigration policies.

Official Declaration Expresses Significant Apprehension

Religious authorities expressed being concerned by potential violations of the sacred nature of houses of worship 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.

Environment of Apprehension

Within their declaration, the religious figures described what they termed "a climate of fear around questions of profiling" and immigration enforcement.

They stated being saddened by the present discourse and vilification of migrants, while rejecting what they described as "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."

Further Issues

The bishops also raised serious worries about:

• Circumstances in migrant detention facilities
• Unjustified cancellation of official documentation for various foreign nationals
• Lack of substantial border policy changes

Policy Changes

Federal authorities has pursued an aggressive immigration agenda since beginning the term, including eliminating policies that restricted immigration apprehensions near protected areas such as religious institutions, medical facilities and educational centers.

Worldwide Dimension

The statement mirrors equivalent concerns made by the Catholic pontiff, who has urged "serious consideration about the way foreign nationals are being addressed in the US under the current administration."

Broader Implications

This represents the initial official declaration of its nature in over a decade, emphasizing the significance of the bishops' concerns about present border measures.