Through a infrequent official declaration, America's Catholic bishop leadership has released a strong condemnation of the Trump administration's immigration policies.
Church leaders expressed being troubled by threats against the sacred nature of houses of worship and the unique character of healthcare centers and learning establishments.
Nations must maintain border control while developing equitable, systematic immigration processes that serve public welfare.
In their message, the religious figures characterized what they labeled "a atmosphere of anxiety around questions of profiling" and immigration policies.
They expressed being disappointed by the current discussion and negative portrayal of immigrants, while opposing what they called "the blanket expulsion of people."
Church authorities also voiced major apprehensions about:
The Trump administration has implemented an stringent border policy since assuming power, including rescinding policies that curtailed immigration apprehensions near sensitive locations such as churches, hospitals and schools.
The declaration parallels similar critiques made by the Catholic pontiff, who has advocated for "thorough contemplation about the way immigrants are being treated in the US under Trump."
This constitutes the initial formal statement of its kind in 12 years, highlighting the seriousness of the religious authorities' apprehensions about current immigration policies.