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Via a rare formal message, America's Catholic bishop leadership has issued a sharp criticism of President Donald Trump's border enforcement measures.

Official Declaration Expresses Significant Apprehension

Religious authorities stated being troubled by threats against the sanctity of houses of worship and the unique character of hospitals and schools.

We recognize that nations have a responsibility to regulate their borders and establish a just and orderly immigration system for the sake of the common good.

Environment of Apprehension

Through their statement, the bishops described what they termed "a climate of fear around questions of discrimination" and immigration enforcement.

They stated being disheartened by the present discourse and vilification of foreign nationals, while resisting what they referred to as "the blanket expulsion of people."

Additional Concerns

The bishops also expressed serious worries about:

• Situations in migrant detention facilities
• Random revocation of authorized standing for certain immigrants
• Lack of substantial border policy changes

Policy Changes

The White House has pursued an aggressive immigration agenda since taking office, including eliminating policies that restricted immigration apprehensions near designated sites such as churches, hospitals and schools.

International Context

The statement parallels equivalent concerns made by the Vatican leader, who has called for "serious consideration about the way immigrants are being handled in the US under Trump."

Wider Consequences

This constitutes the initial formal statement of its type in more than ten years, highlighting the seriousness of the religious authorities' apprehensions about present border measures.