America's Catholic bishops have urged President-elect Donald Trump to adopt humane policies toward immigrants and refugees, as Church leaders begin navigating what will likely be a complex relationship with the new administration.

Meeting just days after the election, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops said serving people fleeing violence and conflict "is part of our identity as Catholics" and pledged to continue this ministry.

"We stand ready to work with a new administration to continue to ensure that refugees are humanely welcomed without sacrificing our security or our core values as Americans. A duty to welcome and protect newcomers, particularly refugees, is an integral part of our mission to help our neighbours in need," the bishops said.