Here's a subject that "near", if not "dear" to all residents of San Antonio, and South Texas. It's inscribed on the base of the Statue of Liberty.

The New Colossus:
Not like the brazen giant of Greek frame,
with conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gate shall stand
a mighty woman with a torch
whose flame is imprisoned lighting,
and her name is 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-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Emma Lazarus (1849-1887)

     The last few lines are probably the most familiar ones, and sentiments that those who can trace their origins back to those who immigrated through Ellis Island most likely agree with. Although there are many today in the USA who do not feel that way at all!

      I lived in Miami at the Dinner Key Marina during the Mariel Boatlift, and witnessed firsthand the influx of Cuban refugees; admittedly some were the dregs of Castro's prison population, but many were decent people looking to start a new life. I've seen lines of Mexicans trudging down the hills south of San Diego in the predawn to find work in California. Most are fleeing poverty to try and make money to send to family members left behind. I have seen 15-20 people jumping out of a panel truck parked in the shadows next to a convenience store here in San Antonio at ten at night. They all faded into the darkness, perhaps to meet relatives here, certainly soon to seek employment illegally. I wished them luck!