Via a uncommon public statement, the national Catholic bishops organization has issued a firm denunciation of the Trump administration's immigration policies.
The bishops stated being concerned by potential violations of the sacred nature of houses of worship and the special nature of healthcare centers and learning establishments.
Countries bear the duty to manage their boundaries and create fair, organized immigration frameworks for the benefit of all.
Within their declaration, the church leaders portrayed what they labeled "a environment of apprehension around questions of profiling" and border control measures.
They stated being saddened by the present discourse and negative portrayal of migrants, while rejecting what they described as "the widespread removal of people."
The bishops also raised serious worries about:
The Trump administration has implemented an stringent border policy since beginning the term, including revoking policies that limited immigration apprehensions near protected areas such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.
The statement mirrors similar critiques made by Pope Leo, who has called for "thorough contemplation about the way migrants are being addressed in the US under Trump."
This represents the first formal statement of its type in more than ten years, highlighting the significance of the bishops' concerns about present border measures.
Elena Hartwell is a multidisciplinary artist and educator passionate about fostering creative communities in London.