As one of America’s most recognizable symbols, the Statue of Liberty stands in New York Harbor, welcoming millions of immigrants who arrived in search of a better life. Yet, despite its unchanging appearance, the meaning of this statue—and the famous poem The New Colossus engraved at its base—shifts depending on who’s looking. For non-white Americans, immigrants, and children of immigrants, Lady Liberty’s promise of “your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free” is taken as a literal pledge. It is a guarantee that America offers freedom and opportunity to those in need. In contrast, many white Americans, particularly those whose families have been here for generations, tend to view these words as symbolic, representing an aspirational ideal rather than a literal commitment. Understanding this contrast is crucial to understanding today’s debates around immigration, national identity, and American values.

A Literal Promise to Immigrants and Their Families

For immigrants, people of color, and their descendants, the Statue of Liberty is not merely a symbol; it is a meaningful representation of what America has promised them. Emma Lazarus’s words are a literal invitation—a call to those fleeing hardship, oppression, or poverty to find a new home in America. For those who have traveled across oceans and borders, or whose families have, this promise of inclusion, freedom, and opportunity is deeply personal. The statue’s message embodies their journey, their hopes, and their hard work to build a life here despite numerous challenges.

This perspective makes the Statue of Liberty’s message more than just historical. It is a living pledge that informs how these communities see themselves as part of America’s ongoing story. The statue and Lazarus’s words affirm that they belong here, not as “outsiders,” but as contributors to the country’s diversity and resilience. For many, the statue isn’t just a nod to America’s past but a reminder of a promise that America should still uphold.

A Symbolic Ideal for Many White Americans

For many white Americans, especially those whose families have been in the United States for generations, the Statue of Liberty and The New Colossus are seen as powerful, albeit symbolic, reflections of American values. In this view, Lady Liberty represents ideals like freedom, democracy, and opportunity, but does not necessarily demand a literal commitment to welcome everyone who arrives. Rather, these symbols are honored as tributes to the spirit of freedom that America strives to uphold.

This perspective reflects a certain cultural distance from the immigrant experience. For many whose families haven’t directly faced the hardships of resettling in a new country, the Statue of Liberty’s promise may feel more like an abstract principle than a binding obligation. The statue becomes a revered emblem of the values America celebrates but is not necessarily a guide to its immigration policy today.

A Difference in Perspective: Identity vs. Idealism

This divide is ultimately about more than just a symbol—it’s about differing experiences and identities. For immigrants, non-white Americans, and their families, the Statue of Liberty and its message represent belonging, an affirmation that their presence is acknowledged and valued. It is a reminder that America was built by people from diverse backgrounds and that their inclusion is fundamental to the nation’s identity. For them, Lazarus’s words are a part of their family histories and daily realities, not just lines of poetry etched in stone.

In contrast, many white Americans interpret the Statue of Liberty through the lens of American idealism, as a reflection of what the country aspires to be at its best. It is less about what America must continue to be and more about what it stands for. The statue is seen as a tribute to freedom and democracy, but there’s often a belief that these ideals can be pursued within limits. For these Americans, Lady Liberty is a celebration of the past, not necessarily a demand on the future.

The Implications for Immigration Policy and American Identity

These different interpretations can have a significant impact on public attitudes toward immigration policy. For those who take Lazarus’s words literally, restrictive immigration policies feel like a violation of America’s founding promise—a betrayal of the ideals that make the United States a beacon of hope. For them, the statue’s message represents a national obligation to remain open and supportive of those seeking refuge or opportunity. It is a commitment that America has made to the world, and to turn away newcomers is to ignore that commitment.

Conversely, for those who view the statue and poem as symbolic, immigration policies are about balancing ideals with pragmatism. They may believe that while America should value diversity and opportunity, these goals don’t necessitate an open-door policy without restrictions. In this view, the words of The New Colossus are inspirational, reflecting American character and values, but do not demand an unqualified obligation to accept everyone who comes.

The Statue as a Mirror of American Experiences

The Statue of Liberty and The New Colossus poem reflect more than a difference in viewpoints—they reveal deeper divides in how Americans relate to their country’s symbols and stories. For non-white Americans, immigrants, and their descendants, the statue’s promise is part of their identity and lived experience. It speaks to their struggles, hopes, and determination to be seen as part of America’s fabric. This makes the statue’s message as relevant today as it was when their families first arrived.

For many white Americans, however, Lady Liberty’s significance lies in honoring the past rather than guiding the present. She is a monument to the values that America was founded upon, a celebration of freedom, without necessarily representing a policy for the future. This perspective doesn’t necessarily reject diversity or inclusion, but it may view the statue’s message as historical rather than prescriptive.

Conclusion: One Symbol, Two Visions

The Statue of Liberty and The New Colossus poem stand as a shared symbol, but one with different meanings for different communities. For some, they are a living commitment, a promise to keep America open and inclusive. For others, they are a historical marker, a reflection of American values but not necessarily a binding obligation. These contrasting views underscore the complexity of American identity—a country built on diversity but shaped by different experiences of what it means to be American.

Understanding these perspectives offers a pathway to bridging divides in discussions around immigration and national identity. By recognizing that people see the American Dream and its symbols in both personal and collective ways, we can better appreciate the values that drive differing visions of America’s future. Lady Liberty, then, stands not only as a welcoming figure but as a mirror reflecting the many ways Americans see themselves and their place in the world.

-Michael Kelman Portney