In a infrequent public statement, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has delivered a sharp criticism of President Donald Trump's immigration policies.
Church leaders expressed being concerned by risks to the sanctity of churches and the special nature of hospitals and schools.
Nations must maintain border control while developing equitable, systematic immigration processes that serve public welfare.
Within their declaration, the religious figures described what they termed "a environment of apprehension around questions of profiling" and immigration policies.
They stated being saddened by the ongoing debate and demonization of migrants, while opposing what they called "the blanket expulsion of people."
Church authorities also voiced significant concerns about:
The White House has advanced an stringent border policy since beginning the term, including revoking policies that restricted immigration arrests near protected areas such as religious institutions, medical facilities and educational centers.
The declaration mirrors similar critiques made by Pope Leo, who has urged "serious consideration about the way immigrants are being handled in the US under Trump."
This marks the first formal statement of its kind in 12 years, highlighting the significance of the bishops' concerns about present border measures.
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