Give Us Educated, Skilled Immigrants Yearning to Support Themselves

Illegal immigrants walk toward a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint after crossing the U.S.–Mexico border in Eagle Pass, Texas, on Sept. 28, 2023. John Moore/Getty Images

Commentary

When Emma Lazarus wrote her famous line in 1883, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,” there was no Medicaid, food stamps, housing vouchers, or government-run shelters. Those who came knew they were on their own. Now, they arrive with their hands out.