Now that President Trump's temporary refugee ban and immigration ban targeted and certain Muslim-dominated nations has gone into effect, countless Americans have taken to the streets to protest the executive order. But of course, the protests are long from over, and will continue for the rest of the week and until however long it takes to reverse the ban. If you want to make even more of an impact protesting, these quotes about immigration to put on protest signs will help express your unique sentiments even when you're joined in chanting a rallying cry with everyone else.
There is a huge variety of types of signs at protests like these, as you'll see in person or in photographs from events. They range from sarcastic to serious to heartbreaking, but they all get the point across in their own unique way, bringing us all closer together and helping promote understanding in a way that a single voice may not be able. Whether you're on your way to your first protest or a seasoned protest vet, here are some ideas for quotes you can put on your signs this week, next week, and however many weeks we have to keep up the fight.
Emma Lazarus's "The New Colossus"
This poem was inscribed on the Statue of Liberty in 1883 in the harbor of Ellis Island, to let people know that the U.S. was open to immigrants — that it was, in fact, a country with a foundation built on them. Use either the full poem or a quote from the poem on your own sign.
"The New Colossus"
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
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-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
This Famous Line From Hamilton
In the musical, Hamilton and Lafayette famously clap hands as they head off to their pivotal roles in the Revolutionary War victory and say, "Immigrants: we get the job done!"
This Powerful Line From Chuck Palahniuk's Choke
"The truth is, immigrants tend to be more American than people born here."
This Iconic Line From Clueless
"May I please remind you, it does NOT say RSVP on the Statue of Liberty."
This Powerful Reminder From The Bible
"Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."
This Sentiment From Our First President
"I had always hoped that this land might become a safe and agreeable Asylum to the virtuous and persecuted part of mankind, to whatever nation they might belong." — George Washington
This Timeless Reminder
"Remember, remember always, that all of us, and you and I especially, are descended from immigrants and revolutionists." — Franklin D. Roosevelt
This Short, But All The More Poignant Quote
"No human being is illegal." — Angela Davis
Or, similarly, the original quote from Elie Wiesel: "You who are so-called illegal aliens must know that no human being is ‘illegal’. That is a contradiction in terms. Human beings can be beautiful or more beautiful, they can be fat or skinny, they can be right or wrong, but illegal? How can a human being be illegal?"
The Common Rallying Cries From Protests
Among them:
- "Say it loud, say it clear, immigrants are welcome here."
- "No ban, no wall."
- "United, not divided."
And, if all else fails, and you want a sign that if going to last you for as many protests as you need it ...
Resist
Pack a snack, America. We're going to be out here for however long it takes.
