CNA Staff, Apr 24, 2020 / 16:13 pm
As the Trump administration suspends immigration to stem the spread of coronavirus, the United States' bishops encouraged global solidarity, saying the order promotes hostility instead.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order April 22 which would block a large portion of immigrants from accessing green cards.
"In this moment, our common humanity is apparent more now than ever. The virus is merciless in its preying upon human life; it knows no borders or nationality," read an April 23 statement issued by Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles, president of US bishops' conference; Auxiliary Bishop Mario Dorsonville of Washington, chairman of the USCCB's Committee on Migration; and Bishop Jaime Soto of Sacramento, chair of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network.
"The President's action threatens instead to fuel polarization and animosity. While we welcome efforts to ensure that all Americans are recognized for the dignity of their work, the global crisis caused by COVID-19 demands unity and the creativity of love, not more division and the indifference of a throw-away mentality."