Bishop John Folda
FARGO (KVRR) – Fargo’s Roman Catholic bishop is speaking out about the sweeping immigration changes being made by the Trump Administration.
Diocese of Fargo Bishop John Folda says that while the Church “has never advocated for wide-open borders” because nations need to protect their citizens, he adds that the actions taken by the White House in recent weeks are not business as usual.
“I think in some ways they’ve taken a very drastic approach to curtailing any kind of immigration into the country, including refugees who are, some of whom have already been vetted and have already been approved actually, of entering the country,” Folda said. “I’m not going to take sides, one or the other. I just think that you could make the case that they’re taking a drastic approach, but they’re also perhaps doing what hasn’t been done and perhaps needs to be done with respect to protecting our borders.”
Folda remains optimistic that the new restrictions will eventually be eased.
“I hope that a time will come when there will be a relaxation of that, so that those who are simply in need of safety and looking for a better life can simply be admitted into our country once again, but that has to be in accord with our laws,” Folda said.
Folda added that he wants to clear up “incorrect” information that’s been circulating regarding the Church’s role in resettling refugees.
“I think there’s an assumption–or there had been claims made that the Church is somehow profiting off of refugee resettlements and working with immigrants. That’s really not true,” Folda said. “We’re not doing any of this in a way that aids illegal immigration. That’s not the work at all. It’s helping those who have properly vetted to come over and start a new life here.”
Folda says that while the Catholic Church receives federal funds for immigration-related contracts, none of those funds have gone directly to the Diocese of Fargo.
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