All throughout the short tenure of US President Trump's travel ban, the statue of liberty's message remained unchanged. 

In fact, ever since it was first hauled into the New York Harbor from France in 1875, its message has remained unchanged: immigrants and refugees are welcome. 

In case anyone needed a reminder of this very American mandate, activists unfurled a "Refugees Welcome" banner on the statue on Tuesday. 

The red banner can be seen from the shore of downtown Manhattan, fluttering gently in the wind. Its all-caps proclamation is more blunt than the statue's actual plaque, which is just as forceful, but more more poetic: 

"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-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Read More: New Yorkers Boldly Challenge Refugee Ban by Saying 'I Am Muslim, Too'

President Trump is from New York, so he's surely familiar with this shining beacon of hope. Let's hope he thinks about the pledge it binds America to in the months and years ahead.  

This stunt is well-timed: Today, Global Citizen launched our #ThisIsAmerica campaign, showing the various ways refugees and immigrants are critical to the fabric of America. Learn more — #ThisIsAmerica campaign here and share your story!

Because #ThisIsAmerica, and welcoming refugees is what America looks like. 

TopicsCurrent eventsCitizenshipNew YorkUS President Donald TrumprefugeesImmigrantsTravel Ban

News

Demand Equity

Activists Unfurl 'Refugees Welcome' Banner Across Statue of Liberty

By Joe McCarthy