Does the inscription on the Statue of Liberty still ring true?

Question

Does America still want huddled masses? Is it still willing to take on other countries unwanted and give them a life and hope?

Im British, and from my point of view i think the sentiment on the Statue of Liberty, along with many other things about the US, is what makes it a great country. However, having seen some of the attitudes of Americans on here towards, for instance, immigrants, i was wondering if US citizens still strongly believe in these things or if modern life etc has hardened/ changed these ideals?

Answer 1

I'm American and the words of the SoL are inspirational. There is great debate about illegal verses legal immigrants in our country right now. I think Americans have a moral obligation to take each and every person who sincerely wants a better life. To deny the down trodden is to deny the hope of something better. Hope is what makes the USA wonderful. Not our military, certainly not our president but the sincere naive belief in hope.

Answer 2

That is a very good question. As every ethnic group migrates to the US, the more diverse we become. That to ME is a good thing. I love meeting people from other countries to discuss our cultural differences.

But! Politics always rears its ugly head and taking in "huddled masses" only applies if your "mass" has money or some claim to fame.

Before the disolution of the Soviet Union, ballet dancers, scientists, philosophers and other talented people were always granted asylum in this country. Now there's not USSR, and the immigrants are coming over the borders from Mexico, or hired as cheap nanny's by rich people.

It's an unfortuante situation that the US can't just let eveyone in. It means tax money diverted to non-citizens to pay for medical expenses, housing, etc. Who would be responsible for an illegal alien who gets injured on the job? The US govenment? The boss who hired him? His home country?

When Statue of Liberty was given to the US as a gift from France, those issues of expense, etc. were not big. Every ethnic group picked on the ethnic group that just got here, but everyone was expected to work hard at a job, "go West, young man," or make your fortune in a society that wasn't as class oriented as, say Great Britian, or some of the other monarchies. Fortunes were MADE, not inherited.

Do we strongly believe what Liberty says? Sure. Do we want to pay more taxes for the huddled masses? No.

Times have changed.

Answer 3

Good question. No these are not ideals we have ever had, this is simply a winning poem which was placed at the base of the statue.
As for the hardened attitude towards immigrants, we have no problem with LEGAL immigrants, just the illegal ones. We believe in the rule of law and are tired of illegal aliens making a mockery of our laws. We are pushing harder and harder towards our government to do the job(s) WE have hired them for (we are a Republic, not a Democracy, the people rule).
Please look up on You Tube videos from ImmigrationWatchdog about the marches last spring of illegal aliens and their supporters who DEMANDED our govenrment let them become legal citizens, all because they were able to either come here across our borders illegally or have been able to stay away from ICE after their documents expired. However, simply because they were able to cheat the system this far, does not give them any special privelages other than to be deported.
Besides, how do you think illegals are dealt with in other countries?
We accept those coming here legally, who will not be a burden to our society, and who will abide by our laws and respect our culture, who will assimilate themselves to us, and will show their allegiance to the United States of America, not to their former countries.

Check out the Federal Immigration and Nationality Act site posted.

Answer 4

HELL NO!!!!!