El Paso bishop calls Trump immigration orders ‘contrary to the moral law’

The chairman of the U.S. bishops’ committee on migration sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s executive orders on immigration that he signed earlier this week, expressing particular concern for vulnerable families and children. 

“Church teaching recognizes a country’s right and responsibility to promote public order, safety, and security through well-regulated borders and just limits on immigration,” wrote Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, Texas.

“However, as shepherds, we cannot abide injustice, and we stress that national self-interest does not justify policies with consequences that are contrary to the moral law,” the statement reads.

Trump upon taking office on Monday signed a series of executive orders that included tough restrictions on immigration.

The president shortly after his inauguration on Monday signed orders suspending asylum for refugees, declaring a national emergency at the southern border, reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy from his previous term, designating drug cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations,” and ending birthright citizenship.

Seitz’s reaction to the orders follows a statement from USCCB President Archbishop Timothy Broglio on Wednesday that criticized Trump’s executive orders on immigration and other issues such as capital punishment, warning that harm could be done to “the most vulnerable among us.” 

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