The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is voicing strong opposition to a recent immigration policy change under President Donald Trump’s administration, sparking renewed debate over faith, family, and the future of America’s border security.
At the center of the controversy is a quietly rescinded policy from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which had outlined safety procedures for pregnant women and postpartum mothers in federal custody. The previous guidance ensured medical evaluations and basic accommodations, including private areas for nursing mothers.
But a May 5 memo from CBP Acting Commissioner Pete Flores declared the 2022 guidelines “obsolete,” as the agency re-aligns with new immigration enforcement priorities. The memo, though internal, has triggered public backlash from Church leaders who view the change as a dangerous rollback of human dignity.
Bishops Sound the Alarm
“This is deeply troubling,” said Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, Texas, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Migration. “Removing care standards for pregnant women and their infants shows a troubling indifference to life and the vulnerable.”
He continued: “Let’s be clear—calling protections for pregnant mothers ‘obsolete’ is unacceptable. Every life has God-given value, whether citizen or migrant.”
CBP has emphasized that respect and professionalism remain top priorities, but critics say the policy reversal signals a troubling shift away from compassion-based immigration practices.
Legal Battle Over Refugees Adds Fuel to the Fire
This latest dispute adds to a growing standoff between the Catholic Church and the Trump administration. Earlier this year, the USCCB filed a federal lawsuit over the administration’s decision to pause funding for refugee resettlement programs—an action that threatens nearly five decades of partnership between the Church and the U.S. government.
The bishops warned that the funding freeze could cause “irreparable damage” to long-standing resettlement networks that serve persecuted families from war-torn nations.
Trump’s Response: Americans Come First
President Trump defended the move as part of his broader “America First” mission.
“The United States cannot keep absorbing massive numbers of migrants and refugees without compromising the resources meant for hardworking American families,” he said in January.
For many older voters and faith-based conservatives, Trump’s hard line on immigration and fiscal responsibility echoes long-held values of sovereignty, law, and national protection.
Tensions Rise with New American Pope
Meanwhile, tensions between the Catholic Church and Washington have intensified following the election of Pope Leo XIV—the first American pontiff in history.
Although described as politically moderate, Pope Leo is reportedly dissatisfied with the current immigration policy. His brother, John Prevost, told The New York Times that the Pope “isn’t happy with what’s going on at the border.”
However, another of Pope Leo’s brothers, Louis Prevost, is a vocal Trump supporter and “MAGA enthusiast,” who may soon be welcomed at the White House.
President Trump recently told Fox News’ Sean Hannity that he’s open to discussing immigration directly with the new Pope—a sign of potential thawing between the Vatican and the administration.
Vice President Vance Steps In
Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic convert and rising figure in conservative politics, attended Pope Leo’s inaugural Mass in Rome and held a private meeting with him afterward.
The moment was symbolic—highlighting both the religious depth of the Trump-Vance ticket and the administration’s desire to bridge political divides through shared Christian values.
Flashback to Pope Francis’s Criticism
Pope Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, had previously rebuked Vance for promoting a vision of charity that prioritized Americans over foreign populations. In a sharply worded letter, Francis urged a broader, global understanding of love rooted in the parable of the Good Samaritan.
But times are changing.
What Comes Next
Observers say the future of Church–White House relations may depend on whether Pope Leo takes a firmer stance—or seeks common ground with the administration.
“The Trump team is paying close attention,” said theology professor Massimo Faggioli. “With a Catholic vice president, the bishops are watching closely. JD Vance is clearly appealing to their values.”
As the Trump administration continues to reshape immigration and refugee policy, many conservatives see a necessary course correction. But for some Catholic leaders, the fight is just beginning.
Faith. Family. Border Security. These are the defining issues of our time.