My husband John and I visited Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty together several years ago. There was nothing personal about our visit – we already knew our ancestors had arrived in this country by different means. In my case, my maternal and paternal ancestors fled religious persecution as Protestants in Germany. They entered through the port of Philadelphia in the early 1730’s. They settled in western Pennsylvania and western Maryland.
John is a first-generation American. His parents came by plane from Germany in the 50’s. Both were young and eager to work hard for the prosperity they dreamed of. They met, married, and raised their family in the Big Apple. They had careers as an executive pastry chef and a nurse. The “New Colossus” was always there to remind them of the promise of America.
Toward a better life
When we visited Lady Liberty, we observed that there were as many reasons for making the long voyage as there had been people who made it. This was clear from the documentation about the immigrants whose first glimpse of the United States was that magnificent statue in New York Harbor.
Sure, there was the underlying dream of simply “a better life,” but how each individual described that was deep and personal. Those differences notwithstanding, I can imagine how all their hearts soared at the first sight of the grand statue in that harbor. Simply by seeing her, they knew they were a step closer to achieving their wildest dreams — indeed, the “American dream.”
Surely the individuals who come to the U.S. these days have similar aspirations — that hopeful notion of a better life. For some, that means education. For some, it may be the opportunity to be more prosperous. And for too many, it’s a simple act of survival.
Conclusion
I’m deeply saddened to hear stories — almost daily — of immigration authorities deporting people who have valid green cards and no criminal record. I’m absolutely horrified that they’re rounding up individuals seeking asylum from horrible, potentially deadly conditions in their native countries and returned to those wretched conditions.
I believe in my heart that if that statue could hang her head in shame, she would do just that, and toss her torch into the harbor for good measure.
