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Via a rare official declaration, the national Catholic bishops organization has issued a sharp criticism of President Donald Trump's border enforcement measures.

Official Declaration Expresses Deep Concern

The bishops stated being disturbed by risks to the sacred nature of churches and the special nature 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.

Atmosphere of Anxiety

Within their declaration, the church leaders characterized what they called "a climate of fear around questions of targeting" and border control measures.

They expressed being disheartened by the present discourse and vilification of immigrants, while rejecting what they called "the blanket expulsion of people."

Further Issues

Church authorities also raised significant concerns about:

• Conditions in immigration detention centers
• Random revocation of official documentation for various foreign nationals
• Absence of comprehensive immigration system improvements

Administrative Shifts

The White House has pursued an tough immigration approach since assuming power, including rescinding policies that restricted immigration apprehensions near sensitive locations such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.

Worldwide Dimension

The message mirrors comparable criticisms made by the Catholic pontiff, who has called for "thorough contemplation about the way foreign nationals are being handled in the US under Trump."

Wider Consequences

This constitutes the initial formal statement of its nature in over a decade, emphasizing the gravity of the church leaders' worries about current immigration policies.