Reagan speech at Liberty State Park 1980
Did MAGA rip their entire theme from a Reagan speech actually praising immigration?
It is fitting that on Labor Day, we meet beside the waters of New York harbor, with the eyes of Miss Liberty on our gathering and in the words of the poet whose lines are inscribed at her feet, The air bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
Through this Golden Door, under the gaze of that Mother of Exiles, have come millions of men and women, who first stepped foot on American soil right there, on Ellis Island, so close to the Statue of Liberty.
These families came here to work. They came to build. Others came to America in different ways, from other lands, under different, often harrowing conditions, but this place symbolizes what they all managed to build, no matter where they came from or how they came or how much they suffered.
They helped to build that magnificent city across the river. They spread across the land building other cities and towns and incredibly productive farms.
They came to make America work. They didnt ask what this country could do for them but what they could do to make this refuge the greatest home of freedom in history.
They brought with them courage, ambition and the values of family, neighborhood, work, peace and freedom. They came from different lands but they shared the same values, the same dream....
This country needs a new administration, with a renewed dedication to the dream of America--an administration that will give that dream new life and make America great again!
Let us pledge to each other, with this Great Lady looking on, that we can, and so help us God, we will make America great again.
Posted Feb 26, 2026, 1:49 PM UTC