Via a infrequent official declaration, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has delivered a firm denunciation of the Trump administration's border enforcement measures.
Church leaders stated being disturbed by risks to the special status of churches and the special nature of hospitals and schools.
Countries bear the duty to manage their boundaries and create fair, organized immigration frameworks for the benefit of all.
Through their statement, the religious figures portrayed what they termed "a climate of fear around questions of targeting" and immigration enforcement.
They revealed being saddened by the ongoing debate and demonization of migrants, while rejecting what they described as "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Church authorities also expressed major apprehensions about:
The Trump administration has implemented an tough immigration approach since taking office, including revoking policies that limited immigration arrests near designated sites such as religious institutions, medical facilities and educational centers.
The statement echoes equivalent concerns made by the Vatican leader, who has called for "deep reflection about the way immigrants are being treated in the US under the current administration."
This represents the initial special message of its nature in more than ten years, underscoring the seriousness of the bishops' concerns about current immigration policies.
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