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In a uncommon formal message, the national Catholic bishops organization has issued a sharp criticism of the White House's immigration policies.

Special Message Reveals Serious Worry

The bishops stated being concerned by risks to the sacred nature of religious sites and the unique character of medical facilities and educational institutions.

Nations must maintain border control while developing equitable, systematic immigration processes that serve public welfare.

Climate of Fear

In their message, the bishops described what they labeled "a atmosphere of anxiety around questions of profiling" and immigration enforcement.

They stated being disappointed by the current discussion and demonization of immigrants, while opposing what they referred to as "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."

Additional Concerns

The bishops also expressed significant concerns about:

• Situations in migrant detention facilities
• Arbitrary removal of authorized standing for some migrants
• Absence of meaningful immigration reform

Policy Changes

The Trump administration has pursued an aggressive immigration agenda since taking office, including rescinding policies that curtailed immigration arrests near sensitive locations such as religious institutions, medical facilities and educational centers.

Global Perspective

The statement parallels equivalent concerns made by Pope Leo, who has called for "serious consideration about the way migrants are being addressed in the US under present leadership."

Wider Consequences

This marks the premier formal statement of its type in over a decade, emphasizing the significance of the religious authorities' apprehensions about existing enforcement approaches.