Washington D.C., Mar 28, 2018 / 16:00 pm
The U.S. bishops have voiced concern over the abnormally low levels of refugees admitted to the U.S. under the Trump administration, saying that it puts those fleeing danger at risk, and fails to comply with Christian teaching on welcoming the stranger.
"The current level of refugee arrivals leaves thousands of vulnerable people in harm's way and searching for protection," said Bishop Joe Vasquez, speaking as chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee On Migration. "Most often they are at-risk women and children who are too vulnerable to remain in the region and/or in situations too dangerous for them to wait in the host country until the conflict at home has ended."
The bishops' March 26 letter was sent to Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and to the U.S. State Department.
"As Christians, our concerns for refugees is integral to our life of faith," the bishops said. "In this spirit, we urge the Administration to renew a bipartisan commitment to resettlement for refugees, including religious minorities."