The Archbishop of Newark, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, said in a statement Friday the president's actions were "not rationals act" and "inhuman policies"
NEWARK -- One of the most prominent Catholic leaders in North Jersey took a stand against President Donald Trump and his anti-immigration executive orders that call for closing the borders and building a wall along Mexico.
The Archbishop of Newark, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, said in a statement Friday the president's actions were "not rational acts," calling the orders "inhuman policies."
The Cardinal, who has been at the Vatican this week for meetings, vowed to keep helping refugees resettle despite Trump's orders barring those immigrating from war-torn Muslims countries from entering the United States.
"Wednesday's Executive Actions do not show the United States to be an open and welcoming nation," Tobin said. "They are the opposite of what it means to be an American."
Tobin also criticized the president for his attack on "sanctuary cities," which under the executive orders will cut off funds to those municipalities that do not help enforce immigration laws. New Jersey is home to at least 10 locally designated "sanctuary cities."
N.J. mayors pledge to stand by immigrants
Local leaders, including the mayors of Newark and Jersey City, promised this week to protect the undocumented residents who live in New Jersey's cities. On Thursday, U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez had a similar message for the president, calling the orders a "terrible and ugly decision."
Gov. Chris Christie, a Trump adviser, supported the Republican president's orders, which also called for 5,000 new border patrol agents and 10,000 additional immigration officers.
Tobin, who was installed as the leader of the Archdiocese of Newark earlier this month, ended his statement saying, "This nation has a long and rich history of welcoming those who have sought refuge because of oppression or fear of death. Even when such groups were met by irrational fear, prejudice and persecution, the signature benevolence of the United States of American eventually triumphed.
"That confident kindness is what has made, and will continue to make, America great."
Craig McCarthy may be reached at CMcCarthy@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @createcraig and on Facebook here. Find NJ.com on Facebook.