Mother of Exiles

The President's move last week to stop deporting DREAMers and give them work permits is a step in the right direction, but his executive order could change as soon as January under a new administration. We need a law offering these DREAMers a way to citizenship.

We must recognize these DREAMers for their loyalty, hard work, and the positive contributions they have given to America. We need to make sure that they get the opportunity to follow their dreams of a good education, and reward their devotion and love for our country. They are Americans in every way except birth.

Let us not forget the welcoming words of the poet, Emma Lazarus, whose poem, The New Colossus, is inscribed on the Statue of Liberty's pedestal...

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!"

But our DREAMers are not necessarily poor or tired. They are young and vibrant and enthusiastic.

When did our attitude toward immigrants change?

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