CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — North Carolina bishops are sharing a message on President Donald Trump’s immigration reform measures and migrant rights.
It comes after several days of protests nationwide.
Catholic leaders said this is not just about policy. It’s an issue of moral concern. They think Americans can respect the borders and laws, but also care for people who’ve come to the U.S. for a better life.
“Hunting down and arresting hundreds of illegal aliens,” said Trump.
Words like these have sparked fear among immigrant communities, as the Trump administration cracks down on illegal immigration.
“It’s been interesting to see that some of those feeling the most anxious are actually naturalized or permanent green card holders, so these are folks that have very legal statuses that are very concerned that those statuses could be revoked,” said Autumn Weil, executive director of International House in Charlotte.
International House has been fielding walk-ins and phone calls from people working to figure out their options.
“This is impacting the mental well-being of individuals, whether they’re, you know, an immigrant from three months ago or an immigrant from 30 years ago,” said Weil.
In the middle of deportation efforts and pro-immigration protests, the bishops of Charlotte and Raleigh are calling for a more compassionate approach to immigration reform.
They issued a statement, saying in part:
“As Catholics, we advocate for the recognition that immigrants, as members of God’s human family, are deserving of and must be granted the appropriate dignity as our brothers and sisters in the Lord. Jesus Himself was a refugee and taught us to welcome the stranger.”
“Immigrants or non-immigrants right now in a time of uncertainty and destabilization, they’re looking to their community and for many of them that is a faith community,” said Weil.
Charlotte Diocese leaders plan to offer food and other resources for families needing help during this time. They say clergy won’t advise anyone to go against law enforcement, but they will continue to provide education about people’s legal rights.
