"We urge the (Trump) administration to reverse this policy, which needlessly increases the suffering of the most vulnerable and violates international protocols," said Bishop Joe S. Vasquez, of Austin, Texas, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Migration, and Sean Callahan of CRS, the U.S. bishops overseas relief and development agency.
On March 4, U.S. and Mexican bishops from both sides of the border issued a joint statement expressing "total disagreement" with what is being called the "Remain in Mexico" policy. It was signed by nine U.S. bishops and five Mexican bishops.
They said the protocols undermine migrants' right to seek asylum in the U.S. and deprives them of the support of family in the U.S., and perhaps is leading Mexico to organize refugee camps for tens of thousands.
In a Feb. 26 letter, 500 religious organizations and leaders asked Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen for an immediate end to the policy.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the policy Dec. 20, saying it is provided for under Section 235(b)(2)(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.