" 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- This is an excerpt from the inscription on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. It stands for America's pledge to ensure any man or woman who faces the prospect of ethnic cleansing, religious oppression, torture, and even death have a safe place to go. Because this country was founded in large part by those who fled various kinds of political and religious persecution, it has become America's historical responsibility to serve as an advocate of liberty, freedom and human rights. Most immigrants who left their homelands endured difficult journeys in coming to America. Symbols such as the Statue of Liberty offered strength and hope to start a new home in this foreign land. .
America has always embraced immigrants. In fact, the United States is a nation founded on immigrants. But long before immigrants, the United States was a home to Native Americans. Therefore, with the exception of those citizens considered true Native Americans, all our ancestors were once immigrants. They came to this country seeking greater freedom or an opportunity for a better life. They came from all over the world and brought to United States a pride in their heritage, distinctive cultural traditions and values.
Today however, immigration has become a major concern among many Americans. It is one of the most controversial topics of debate in the political arena. On the questions of immigration policy, opinions range from "open door" advocates of free immigration to "closed door" advocates of zero immigration. After September 11, many Americans became concerned about immigration policy and the security of the United States" borders. But border security and immigration policy are two separate matters.
