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Via a rare official declaration, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has delivered a strong condemnation of the Trump administration's border enforcement measures.

Official Declaration Reveals Deep Concern

The bishops voiced being troubled by potential violations of the special status of churches and the protected status of medical facilities and educational institutions.

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.

Atmosphere of Anxiety

Through their statement, the bishops characterized what they termed "a atmosphere of anxiety around questions of profiling" and immigration policies.

They revealed being disappointed by the current discussion and negative portrayal of immigrants, while opposing what they referred to as "the blanket expulsion of people."

Further Issues

Religious leaders also voiced major apprehensions about:

• Situations in migrant detention facilities
• Arbitrary removal of authorized standing for certain immigrants
• Absence of comprehensive immigration system improvements

Policy Changes

The White House has pursued an tough immigration approach since assuming power, including revoking policies that restricted immigration apprehensions near protected areas such as religious institutions, medical facilities and educational centers.

Global Perspective

The declaration mirrors comparable criticisms made by the Catholic pontiff, who has advocated for "deep reflection about the way foreign nationals are being addressed in the US under the current administration."

Wider Consequences

This constitutes the premier official declaration of its nature in over a decade, highlighting the gravity of the religious authorities' apprehensions about current immigration policies.