The plaque that reads:
Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me:
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.
Since the US wants to keep immigrants out, should we take the sign down?
2007-02-11 07:38:26 · 33 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Immigration
Some of you are taking this WAY too seriously. My question is directed to those who feel that ALL immigrants should be stopped from entering the country, not just the illegal ones.
I had hoped this the question would provoke a little soul searching for those who deny others the chance at a better life.
2007-02-11 08:05:00 · update #1
I have wondered that myself. I don't actually believe that the government wants to take on those who are impoverished, lack a formal education or who are perhaps ill.
Call me evil, but I think it's the truth. Check into the naturalization process if you don't believe me. It's a bear and those without money, education or a good attorney are going to have a hard time of it. Its kind of like the welcome mat is still at the front door but the invitation has been retracted. This world has too many people.
Anyway, this country was founded on illegal immigrants. That is what the pilgrims were and they slaughtered the people that originally lived here. It's interesting who gets to make the rules though, isn't it? It's really not so black and white as it seems. What is the difference between an illegal immigrant and a legal one? A lot of red tape.
2007-02-11 07:48:14 · answer #1 · answered by ineeddonothing 4 · 5⤊ 10⤋
I take your point. As a legal immigrant (soon to be a citizen, I hope) it worries me that some people tar us all with the same brush. I came here legally, followed all immigration laws and have obeyed the law since I came here five years ago - not even a speeding ticket. I do not expect a medal for any of that, just acceptance into American society.
The words on the plaque are appropriate and still relevant today. America has always welcomed immigrants and many have gone on to make a valuable contribution to society and the economy. Long may that continue but let's just make sure that those who come here to stay, do so legally.
2007-02-11 09:14:57 · answer #2 · answered by skip 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If we allowed everyone to come to this country whenever they pleased, we would have an accute housing and food shortage. The food banks and hospitals and schools would be even more swamped than they already are. The crime rate would increase drastically. Disease would be rampant and racial tensions would be enhanced. It always sounds so nice and sweet to just grant asylum to those in need, but America simply cannot handle that type of influx of people. It is not only the immigrants from Mexico and South America who want a better life here, but Europeans and Asians and Africans want to come too. That is why the US has a quota.... and a long, long line of people who are waiting to enter legally... as it damn well should be !
2007-02-11 07:53:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
The real truth about the Statue of Liberty !
The Statue of Liberty was erected in 1886, when world population was little more than one billion and the U.S. population was 60 million. Many do not realize that the Statue of Liberty was a gift to the U.S. from France, with the title, "Liberty Enlightening the World".
The statue and its symbolism had nothing to do with immigration, but rather hope that the rest of the world would adopt Democracy.
The Emma Lazurus plaque (it is not chiseled in the base), "send me your huddled masses" was added ten years later during the immigration peak of that age.
The sonnet, "New Colossus", was written by Emma Lazarus in 1883 as part of a literary campaign to raise funds for the completion of the Statue's pedestal. Not much attention was paid to it until the tide of immigration surged at the turn of the century. Proceeds that were raised from its auction were used to complete the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. This plaque memorialized the sonnet in 1903 and was placed on the inner wall of the Statue's pedestal. It currently is displayed inside the Statue of Liberty museum.
Since then, U.S. population has expanded by 4 1/2 times. The U.S. is the world's highest-consuming (and most wasteful) nation, and is no longer in need of settlement.
Illegal aliens arent legal immigrants...
They are illegal aliens.There is a huge difference.
2007-02-11 07:44:25 · answer #4 · answered by Yakuza 7 · 11⤊ 2⤋
The problem is not immigration, the problem is ILLEGAL immigrants. These people have come here ILLEGALLY and as a reward for their disregard of our laws want us to adapt to them and tell them it is OK that they can stay. There ARE means in place for people to LEGALLY immigrate to this country. Yes, it can be expensive and yes, it can take time, but there ARE means in place for it. I was born here, my husband was not...we are working thru his immigration process. It has taken time and yes, it would be great if he could work right now but we are doing it LEGALLY and will just have to make due until then. Some people do get turned down but there is reason...if the petitioner feels the reason was in error there are means to appeal. The immigration laws do not necessarily need to be overhauled, they need to be enforced. As for the plaque, it is part of a historical statue, I do not think it is actually believed to currently serve as the welcome wagon.
2007-02-11 07:55:59 · answer #5 · answered by Starshine 5 · 4⤊ 1⤋
What are you talking about?? America doesn't want to keep immigrants out. You need to do some research before making yourself look very silly and ignorant. America welcomes immigrants everyday. Just b/c we don't want people jumping the border, doesn't mean we don't welcome immigrants who come here legally. I think that we should work on the tired and poor huddled American citizen masses before we work on the Immigrant ones, but then again, they immigrants actually do want to work and be a better person as opposed to the certain lazy Americans that do have the opportunity but choose not to utilize it. So no, the sign shouldn't be taken down, because our views haven't changed. Even after 9/11 and all that has happened.
2007-02-11 07:53:08 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 3⤋
Do you lock your doors at night? If so, then you are just as guilty of keeping illegal entrants/immigrants out! The USA allows more LEGAL immigrants than any other country in the world!
Unfortunately, the USA* also lets in more ILLEGAL aliens then any other country in the world!
*due to the deliberate non enforcement of the immigration laws.
2007-02-11 10:19:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
The United States of American wants to keep out ILLEGAL immigrants.Doesnt foreign countries have policies against ILLEGAL immigrants?I know for a fact that Mexico does.
2007-02-11 07:52:36 · answer #8 · answered by jnwmom 4 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Americans do not want to keep immigrants out Americans only want immigrants to enter lawfully. I cant tell you how many times I have seen a post like yours where you seemingly intentionally try to skew the line between legal and illegal immigrants.
2007-02-11 07:43:48 · answer #9 · answered by joeandhisguitar 6 · 10⤊ 1⤋
America like Immigrants. We don't like ILLEGAL immigrants because they are law breakers. Somehow I think you might fit the bill.
We should not take the sign down.
Taking the sign down is a dumb suggestion. Are you stuck on stupid or do you just visit there?
2007-02-11 10:17:31 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
it should read, give me your murders, drug dealers, child molesters. i welcome you with open arms. here is a light to show you the way to corrupt a free country.
the statue of liberty was and is intended for people who come here legally and contribute to this wonderful country.
as John F. Kennedy once said. ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. the illegals do nothing for this country but take. if they wanted to give they would come here legally.
2007-02-11 09:40:19 · answer #11 · answered by igive2shhhhhhhhhhhhh 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋