The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops pledged on Tuesday to support those who are enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions made the announcement Tuesday that President Donald Trump's administration is rescinding the program.
Ending the program is "reprehensible," the conference's president, vice president, and chairmen said in a statement.
"We pledge our support to work on finding an expeditious means of protection for DACA youth. As people of faith, we say to DACA youth — regardless of their immigration status, you are children of God and welcome in the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church supports you and will advocate for you," the statement said.
"The Catholic Church has long watched with pride and determination as DACA youth live out their daily lives with hope and a determination to flourish and contribute to society: continuing to work and provide for their families, continuing to serve in the military, and continuing to receive an education."
"Now, after months of anxiety and fear about their futures, these brave young people face deportation. This decision is unacceptable and does not reflect who we are as Americans," the conference said in the statement.
"Today's action represent a heartbreaking moment in our history that shows the absence of mercy and good will, and a short-sighted vision for the future."
The bishops' conference announced on Aug. 22 that it did not approve of Trump's plans to end the program.
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