Father Wildes released a statement concerning Trump’s immigration ban. As of today, federal courts have issued temporary stays, and the ACLU is working with other organizations to reverse the order.

Although it is unlikely that individuals with existing lawful status will be affected, the Rev. Kevin Wildes, S.J. made the suggestion in his letter that foreign nationals from affected countries avoid all international travel for the immediate future and to consult an immigration attorney if travel can not be avoided.

A few people from Loyola’s community have been directly impacted, but the order is something Wildes said affects all of us. It may take months for the administration to develop a clear policy of standards for entries into the US.

He went on to say that not only is the turning away of refugees in direct conflict with our Catholic, Jesuit values, but it is also contrary to our American ideals and constitutional rights as a free country that welcomes immigrants and does not discriminate on the basis of religion or national origin.

Wilde ended the release with a quote from Pope Francis.

“You cannot be a Christian without living like a Christian. You cannot be a Christian without practicing the Beatitudes. You cannot be a Christian without doing what Jesus teaches us in Matthew 25,” which is to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and welcome the stranger. “It’s hypocrisy to call yourself a Christian and chase away a refugee or someone seeking help, someone who is hungry or thirsty, toss out someone who is in need of my help. If I say I am Christian but do these things, I’m a hypocrite.”