Letter to the Editor: Where has our stance on immigration changed?

(Photo courtesy of Wikimedia)

(Dave Haugo of Decorah has e-mailed the following Letter to the Editor):

"What happened?       And I quote:

"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!"
The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus

Printed on the plaque at the base of the Statue of Liberty. 

My grandparents came to this country passing by the statue of Liberty and saw this inscription, then traveled on to Iowa.

Where have we come since then?"