“We believe that by helping to resettle the most vulnerable, we are living out our Christian faith and ‘welcoming the stranger’ as Jesus has challenged us to do.”

“The world is watching as we abandon our commitments to American values. These actions ... lower our estimation in the eyes of the many peoples who want to know America as a defender of human rights and religious liberty”.

Over 5.2 million adults and children have gone through the safe environment programme in the US - Mgr Steve Rossetti.

Cardinal O’Malley among bishops who celebrated Mass at Mexican border on Tuesday.