SILVER SPRING, Maryland  - The Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC), strongly condemns the executive orders issued by President Trump on his first day in office, which seek to eliminate birthright citizenship, diminish the U.S. refugee and asylum programs, separate families, and further militarize the U.S.-Mexico border. These actions are a direct affront to the long-standing values of our nation and run contrary to the fundamental Christian principle of welcoming the stranger.

"As Catholics, we are called to uphold the dignity of every person, regardless of where they come from," said Anna Gallagher, CLINIC executive director. "These dehumanizing executive orders contradict our core values of compassion, justice, and the biblical mandate to welcome the stranger. They threaten the very fabric of our society and the protections that have long made the United States a beacon of hope for immigrants and refugees."

Pope Francis has repeatedly emphasized the moral imperative to welcome migrants and refugees, stating, "Migrants and refugees are not pawns on the chessboard of humanity. They are children, women and men who leave or who are forced to leave their homes for various reasons, who share a legitimate desire for knowing and having, but above all for being more."

The elimination of birthright citizenship would undermine the Constitution's promise of equal protection and threatens to create a permanent underclass of stateless individuals. The drastic reduction of the refugee and asylum programs disregards the United States' moral and legal obligations to those fleeing violence and persecution. Furthermore, the increased militarization of our border and threats of mass deportation foster fear and division rather than solutions rooted in dignity, respect, and long-term concern for the common good.

CLINIC remains steadfast in our commitment to advocating for just and humane immigration policies that reflect our Catholic values and the nation's historical commitment to welcoming newcomers. We stand ready to support our more than 400 Affiliates across the country as they navigate the impact of these harmful policies and continue to serve immigrant and refugee communities with dignity and compassion.

"Now, more than ever, we must come together as people of faith and conscience to resist policies that marginalize and dehumanize our immigrant brothers and sisters," added Gallagher. "CLINIC will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that immigrants and refugees are treated with the respect and care they deserve."

CLINIC will provide ongoing guidance and resources to our Affiliates to help them address the challenges posed by these executive orders. We encourage all those who support immigrant and refugee rights to join us in advocating for policies that align with our values and the principles upon which our nation was built.