A Beacon of Welcome
Good afternoon,
Last week, the National Immigration Forum’s Field Team visited
While I know of the connection between the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, I often find myself thinking of the two landmarks as separate: Ellis Island as the first landing point for millions of immigrants, and the Statue of Liberty as a nearby monument designed as a symbol of, well, liberty. But I was reminded on this trip that more than just a ferry connects the two historic sites. Ellis Island was the location where entry to the country was granted, but the Statue of Liberty was a tangible assurance of the possibilities immigrants could only dream about as they were making the journey to the United States.
Dedicated in 1886 after two decades of design, building, transport, and assembly, the Statue of Liberty was built and gifted to recognize the centennial of the United States and symbolize its friendship with France. The French designers envisioned it to be an international symbol of liberty, justice, and democracy. But to many who observed her grandeur and posture, she came to symbolize something greater.
In 1883, Emma Lazarus, a Jewish poet born in New York City, donated a poem called "The New Colossus" to raise funds for the statue, which was later inscribed on a plaque and placed at its base. In this poem, Lazarus depicts the Statue of Liberty as the "Mother of Exiles" from whose "beacon-hand glows world-wide welcome" to all who arrive at her shores seeking refuge. For immigrants and refugees, she was a bright symbol of welcome and hope.
As I stood at the base of the "Mother of Exiles," I wondered if this symbol of hope overshadowed the fear and anxiety many migrants must have felt as they thought of the process that awaited them on Ellis Island.
Ellis Island was the processing location for steerage passengers – those who did not have the means to travel as first or second-class passengers (who were examined aboard the ship and then allowed to proceed to their destinations). Every day, thousands of passengers weary from the long Atlantic voyage were taken to the main building to wait to be registered and go through medical and legal inspections during which officers and doctors would screen out immigrants that were considered "undesirable" – the poor, disabled, criminals, incurably ill. For most people, this process lasted less than a day while some were detained longer for further inquiries. While the process was long and stressful, 98% of immigrants that passed through Ellis Island were allowed to go on to their final destinations in the country.
It is interesting to think about immigration through Ellis Island at the beginning of the 20th century and compare it to our immigration system today. We still see the less privileged going through long and complicated processes to try to enter the U.S. while those with enough means have an easier way in. Immigrants are still being deemed as undesirable, especially by race, religion, and class. There is still a lot of fear and anxiety involved in the process but instead of 98% of immigrants granted entry, many are denied asylum claims, visas, and pathways toward permanent status.
In the almost 150 years since Ellis Island began processing immigrants, we have not seen the reforms and changes we need to affirm the dignity and potential of migrants seeking to start a new life. While the picture Lazarus painted in her poem was one of welcome, the Statue of Liberty has come to symbolize a strict gatekeeper for the many tired and poor immigrants arriving at the southern border and the immigrants living in the U.S. who contribute significantly to its progress, such as Dreamers, farm workers and TPS recipients.
We need reforms to create long-lasting changes that treat immigrants with dignity, as people deserving of liberty, justice and the chance to breathe free. Let’s work together to have productive dialogue and advocate for reform that will benefit us all. Let’s be the nation that believes and acts on Lazarus’ words:
"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-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Stay healthy and hopeful,
Allison
Allison Bassett
Field and Constituencies Associate
National Immigration Forum
NEWS CLIPS TO NOTE:
BLOOMBERG LAW: Talent-Hungry Employers Offer Workers Help With Naturalization
THE HILL: Around 100,000 ‘Dreamers’ to graduate without shot at work permits
NEW YORK TIMES: Illegal Immigration Is Down, Changing the Face of California Farms
WASHINGTON POST: The ‘great replacement’ theory rises again, ending in tragedy
CBS NEWS: U.S. to start interviewing asylum-seekers at two Texas detention sites under new policy
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