US Bishops condemn Trump's immigration orders

Image: Catholic Charities

Source: USCCB/ICN

Catholic bishops in America have condemned President Trump's series of executive orders targeting immigrants. They particularly voice concern at his declaration of a national emergency at the southern border and his attempt to end birthright citizenship, a right long upheld under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution to anyone born on American soil, regardless of their parents' immigration status.

Under the new orders federal immigration authorities also will now be allowed to conduct enforcement actions in traditionally protected areas, including churches and schools.

Echoing Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde's forthright sermon at the Interfaith Inaugural Prayer Service at Washington National Cathedral they express concern that these Executive Orders are stoking fear and anxiety.

Archbishop Timothy P Broglio, president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) offered the following statement:

"Many of the issues President Trump addresses in his recent Executive Orders, along with what may be issued in the coming days, are matters on which the Church has much to offer. Some provisions contained in the Executive Orders, such as those focused on the treatment of immigrants and refugees, foreign aid, expansion of the death penalty, and the environment, are deeply troubling and will have negative consequences, many of which will harm the most vulnerable among us. Other provisions in the Executive Orders can be seen in a more positive light, such as recognizing the truth about each human person as male or female.

"I wish to reiterate that the Catholic Church is not aligned with any political party, and neither is the bishops' conference. No matter who occupies the White House or holds the majority on Capitol Hill, the Church's teachings remain unchanged. It is our hope that the leadership of our Country will reconsider those actions which disregard not only the human dignity of a few, but of us all.

"Following the ancient tradition, Pope Francis has declared 2025 as a Jubilee Year of Hope. As Christians, our hope is always in Jesus Christ, who guides us through storm and calm weather. He is the source of all truth. Our prayer is one of hope that, as a Nation blessed with many gifts, our actions demonstrate a genuine care for our most vulnerable sisters and brothers, including the unborn, the poor, the elderly and infirm, and migrants and refugees. The just Judge expects nothing less."

Bishop Mark J Seitz of El Paso, chairman of the USCCB's Committee on Migration, has stated:

"The Catholic Church is committed to defending the sanctity of every human life and the God-given dignity of each person, regardless of nationality or immigration status. Church teaching recognizes a country's right and responsibility to promote public order, safety, and security through well-regulated borders and just limits on immigration.

"However, as shepherds, we cannot abide injustice, and we stress that national self-interest does not justify policies with consequences that are contrary to the moral law.

The use of sweeping generalizations to denigrate any group, such as describing all undocumented immigrants as 'criminals' or 'invaders,' to deprive them of protection under the law, is an affront to God, who has created each of us in his own image. Pope Francis has stated, 'No one will ever openly deny that [migrants] are human beings, yet in practice, by our decisions and the way we treat them, we can show that we consider them less worthy, less important, less human. For Christians, this way of thinking and acting is unacceptable.'

"While an emphasis on anti-trafficking is welcomed, several of the executive orders signed by President Trump this week are specifically intended to eviscerate humanitarian protections enshrined in federal law and undermine due process, subjecting vulnerable families and children to grave danger.

"The open-ended deployment of military assets to support civil immigration enforcement along the U.S.-Mexico border is especially concerning. Meanwhile, policies barring the consideration of any humanitarian claims-including those of unaccompanied children and trafficking victims-have repeatedly failed to reduce irregular migration in a legal, sustainable, and humane manner.

"Preventing any access to asylum and other protections will only endanger those who are most vulnerable and deserving of relief, while empowering gangs and other predators to exploit them. Likewise, indefinitely halting refugee resettlement is unmerited, as it is already proven to be one of the most secure legal pathways to the United States. Even non-humanitarian legal immigration and naturalized persons are targeted by these policies in support of a so-called 'unified American identity.'

"Finally, the proposed interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment to limit birthright citizenship sets a dangerous precedent, contradicting the Supreme Court's longstanding interpretation.

"We urge President Trump to pivot from these enforcement-only policies to just and merciful solutions, working in good faith with members of Congress to achieve meaningful, bipartisan immigration reform that furthers the common good with an effective, orderly immigration system. My brother bishops and I will support this in any way we can, while continuing to accompany our immigrant brothers and sisters in accordance with the Gospel of Life."

The USCCB will publish additional information pertaining to specific Executive Orders on: www.usccb.org.