WHEELING — The bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston supported the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision against efforts by the Trump Administration to end a policy protecting children of illegal immigrants from deportation, but warned further action is needed.

“I rejoice with the immigrants who live in West Virginia over the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision which rejected the effort of the federal government to put an end to the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals),” Bishop Mark Brennan said.

Rather than rule the president could not end the Obama era policy, the Supreme Court last week said the administration failed to end the program in the correct procedure.

“For the moment, these young people do not run the risk of deportation,” Brennan said. “However, since the Supreme Court’s decision turned on the government’s failure to follow legal procedures in its eagerness to overturn the DACA program and not on the substance or merits of the program, it is not a sufficient resolution of the dangerous situation in which the affected young people live.”

Citizens must “advocate again before Congress” for a more secure protection.

“Thank God, the great majority of our country’s citizens support such legislative protection for them,” Brennan said. “It is time for Congress to approve a just and humane law for these young people, many of whom have never known any other country than the United States.”

Brennan, saying God gave the world to all humans, said this continent has throughout its history has been the destination of immigrants, “from the tribes that came from Asia thousands of years ago to those who have come in more recent centuries from other places.”

“The immigrants of today contribute to this country’s well being, just as the immigrants of the past did. They deserve the respect and support of those who were born here,” Brennan said. “There is need for a comprehensive reform of our immigration laws that will reflect the welcoming and humane values of this nation. May God bless this project in favor of His people.”