The New Colossus

Last year we released a series of interviews with host Jonathan Shapiro. He spoke with modern-day immigrants, along with those working in immigration law. During these interviews, he would ask his guest to please read The New Colossus, a poem by Emma Lazarus.

This poem has become a point of contention in recent history. Our current political leadership continues mock and insult non-white nations. Many of us point to The Statue of Liberty, and this poem engraved at its base.

A reminder of who we are and have always strived to be.

America is a nation of immigrants.

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,

With conquering limbs astride from land to land;

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand

A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name

Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand

Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command

 

The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she

With silent lips. “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!”

Today we release a special episode, a reading of that poem. Featuring the voices of our guests. Take a moment today to listen and remember these words.

Thanks again to everyone for lending their voice to this project. Special thanks to Greg Grunberg, Cristela Alonzo, Wilmer Valderrama, Judy London and Public Counsel.