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Bishop Warns Immigration Debate Reflects 'Deeper Brokenness'

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. migration-debate-reflects-deeper-brokenness.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 6:11 GMT by New Hampshire Union Leader, Manchester
      Locales: England, UNITED KINGDOM

Manchester, N.H. - The intensifying political battle over immigration isn't merely a policy disagreement; it's a symptom of a much deeper societal fracturing, according to a statement released Tuesday by the Rev. Peter J. Libasci, Bishop of the Diocese of Manchester. His remarks arrive amidst a particularly charged atmosphere surrounding immigration policy, as debates rage on regarding border security, pathways to citizenship, and the treatment of asylum seekers.

The Bishop's statement resonated widely, prompting renewed discussion not just within the Diocese but across the state and beyond, as many observers agree with his assessment of a rising tide of polarization. Libasci lamented the increasingly harsh and divisive rhetoric dominating the conversation, describing it as a "troubling rise in fear, anger, and dehumanization." He argues these trends stand in direct opposition to fundamental tenets of faith and basic human decency.

"The current discourse surrounding immigration and refugees is a reflection of a deeper brokenness within our nation," Libasci wrote. This isn't simply about differing opinions on legal frameworks, he contends; it's about a loss of empathy and a failure to recognize the inherent dignity of individuals.

The core of Libasci's message is a plea to refocus the debate on the people impacted by immigration policies. He forcefully rejects the tendency to view immigrants and refugees as mere "statistics or political bargaining chips." Instead, he urges a shift in perspective, reminding the public that these are individuals with complex lives, hopes, dreams, and fears, just like anyone else. They are families - mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters - who deserve to be treated with respect and compassion.

This statement arrives at a critical juncture. Over the past few years, immigration has been a lightning rod for political contention. Increased border crossings and a surge in asylum applications have placed significant strain on resources and fueled heated debates about border security. Simultaneously, economic anxieties and fears about cultural change have contributed to anti-immigrant sentiment in some quarters. Many politicians have capitalized on these anxieties, employing increasingly inflammatory language that, according to Libasci, exacerbates the problem.

Experts in sociology and political science echo Libasci's concerns. Dr. Eleanor Vance, a professor of sociology at Dartmouth College specializing in migration studies, notes, "We're seeing a classic example of 'othering' - the process of defining a group as fundamentally different and less deserving of empathy. This is often fueled by economic insecurity and a perceived threat to social order." She points to the increasing use of dehumanizing language in political discourse as a particularly worrying trend. "When you strip people of their humanity, it becomes much easier to justify harsh treatment and discriminatory policies."

Libasci doesn't offer specific policy prescriptions, but his statement is a clear call for a more humane and compassionate approach. He urges lawmakers and the public to move beyond divisive rhetoric and seek practical solutions rooted in justice and empathy. He emphasizes the importance of finding ways to bridge divides and build a society that welcomes and supports all people, regardless of their immigration status.

The Bishop's message isn't limited to the political arena. He implicitly challenges all citizens to examine their own biases and to actively promote understanding and respect for those from different backgrounds. He encourages community engagement and dialogue as vital tools for overcoming prejudice and fostering a more inclusive society.

While the road to comprehensive immigration reform remains fraught with challenges, Libasci's statement serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of inaction and the moral imperative to treat all people with dignity. The question remains whether the nation, deeply divided as it is, can heed his call for a more compassionate and just approach to immigration before the 'brokenness' he describes becomes irreparable.