Bishop Mark Seitz Raises Alarm for Undocumented Immigrants Amid Trump Policies

Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso expressed grave concern for undocumented immigrants following Trump’s election, citing an increased atmosphere of fear due to proposed mass deportation policies. He highlighted the perilous conditions immigrants face in their home countries and the dangers along their journey to the U.S., urging lawmakers to consider the human impact of immigration policies founded on Christian teachings.

The increased anxiety among undocumented immigrants in the United States has drawn the concern of Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso, particularly following Donald Trump’s election. Seitz, who heads the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Migration, stated that although he refrains from criticizing President-elect Trump preemptively, the heightened fear within immigrant communities is alarming. With Trump’s promises of mass deportations, undocumented individuals fear separation from their families and potential repatriation to unfamiliar countries. During a recent United States Conference of Catholic Bishops assembly, Seitz elaborated on this precarious situation, noting that immigrants are hesitant to stay in their home countries due to perilous conditions and even more fearful to embark on the treacherous journey to the U.S. The bishop emphasized the risks they face from both organized crime and governmental security forces along the dangerous routes. Furthermore, he pointed out America’s involvement in creating these challenges by outsourcing its border control to neighboring nations like Mexico and Guatemala. Bishop Seitz stressed the necessity for lawmakers to consider the humanitarian impact of immigration policies rather than addressing them in abstract terms. He urged that policy discussions must consider real individuals affected, stating, “[Policy] has to be rooted in real human beings, and for us Christians it has to be rooted in the teachings of Christ. Sorry. No exceptions.” Seitz’s extensive experience with immigration across multiple administrations strengthens his perspective that transcends political divisions, as he aims to articulate the Church’s commitment to supporting the vulnerable. Seitz affirmed, “We are present. We’re at the ground level, the grassroots level, in the lives of people,” highlighting the Church’s unique position to convey the realities faced by immigrants.

Bishop Mark Seitz is a prominent figure in the discussion on immigration, particularly how policies affect undocumented individuals in the United States. Following the election of Donald Trump, who promised hardline immigration policies, there has been an escalation of fear among these communities. As the chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Migration, Seitz advocates for a compassionate approach, urging consideration of humanitarian impacts amidst the political turbulence surrounding immigration policies.

Bishop Mark Seitz’s insights reveal the profound impact of immigration policy on the lives of undocumented immigrants. His appeal for empathy and understanding emphasizes the importance of rooting policies in human experiences rather than political ideologies. Given the Church’s grassroots presence, it can provide invaluable perspectives that highlight the real-life implications of political decisions, which is crucial as the nation navigates complex immigration issues.

Original Source: cruxnow.com