The New Colossus. Migrant Crisis.

"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free..."

It is from the poem "The New Colossus" written by Emma Lazarus in 1883. The poem was not spoken in a particular moment but was written to help raise funds for the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. 

In 1903, the poem was engraved on a bronze plaque and mounted inside the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, associating it with the monument's symbolism of welcome and freedom.

 The context in which Emma Lazarus wrote “The New Colossus” in 1883 is very different from the complex realities of migration today. The poem was written during a time when the United States was seeking to grow its population and economy, and immigration was seen as a crucial part of nation-building. 

However, in today’s world, migration and border policies face entirely different challenges, including issues of national security, economic concerns, and the sheer scale of modern displacement crises.

Differences Between Then and Now:

1. Scale of Migration: In the 19th century, migration to the U.S. was large but manageable relative to today’s global migrant crises. Modern displacement, driven by war, climate change, and economic instability, involves millions of people worldwide.

2. Security Concerns: In Lazarus’s time, immigration was largely seen as an opportunity. Today, migration also raises concerns about national security, illegal crossings, and the strain on resources in receiving countries.

3. Global Agreements: International frameworks like the Refugee Convention (1951) and more modern agreements did not exist in the 1880s. Today, nations balance their sovereign right to control borders with obligations to protect human rights and offer asylum.

4. Economic and Social Pressures: The U.S. today faces challenges related to resource allocation, social integration, and ensuring that immigration does not overwhelm local communities or infrastructure.

The Poem’s Role Today:

While “The New Colossus” remains a symbol of American ideals, it represents an aspiration rather than a practical policy framework. Some view it as a reminder of the U.S.'s historic openness and humanitarian responsibilities, while others argue it oversimplifies the complex realities of modern immigration.

Discussions about immigration now often reflect the tension between these ideals and practical considerations—respecting borders, managing resources, and addressing global crises in a way that balances compassion with responsibility.