New Delhi, Nov. 14 -- In a rare condemnation, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops said it was "troubled by threats" of US President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. They also advocated for "meaningful immigration reform".

In a special message, the first of its kind in 12 years, the bishops said, "We are troubled by threats against the sanctity of houses of worship and the special nature of hospitals and schools."

The messageechoes similar critiques made by Pope Leo, who has called for "deep reflection" about the way migrants are being treated in the U.S. under Trump.

In their message, the bishops expressed concern about what they described as "a climate of fear and anxiety around questions of profiling" and immigratio...