Strict immigration policies pose a threat to the disadvantaged, U.S. clergy cautions
The Department of Homeland Security issued two memoranda on February 20, 2017, to implement President Donald Trump's executive orders regarding immigration enforcement. These memoranda, according to the U.S. bishops, constitute the establishment of a large-scale enforcement system that targets virtually all undocumented migrants as 'priorities' for deportation.
Bishop Joe S. Vasquez, chair of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Migration, wrote a response on February 23, 2017, urging the Trump administration to reconsider its approach. He stated that the current approach places vulnerable immigrants in an even greater state of vulnerability.
The memoranda promote the use of local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration law. However, engaging local law enforcement in this manner can undermine public safety by making many who live in immigrant communities fearful of cooperating with local law enforcement in both reporting and investigating criminal matters. This disregards "existing relationships of trust" between local law enforcement officials and immigrant communities.
Deportations are being sped up under the new rules, and new detention facilities are being erected. The Trump administration's rules aim to publicize crimes by undocumented immigrants. However, important protections for the vulnerable, including unaccompanied children and asylum seekers, have been removed from federal policy.
The U.S. bishops are committed to caring for and respecting the human dignity of all, regardless of their immigration status. They recognize the contributions and inherent dignity of immigrants as children of God. During unsettling times, the U.S. bishops will redouble their work to accompany and protect immigrant brothers and sisters.
Administration officials stated that those brought to the U.S. as young children will not be targeted. However, parents living without documentation in the U.S. who smuggle their children into the country could face deportation or prosecution for smuggling or human trafficking.
Bishop Vasquez urged the Trump administration to reconsider its approach in the memoranda and in its executive orders. He emphasised the need to protect the vulnerable and uphold the dignity of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status. The U.S. bishops' criticisms of the Trump administration's new border and immigration enforcement rules have been highlighted as a significant concern for the protection of vulnerable immigrants.
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