After reading the poem, it's reasonable to infer that Emma Lazarus believed immigrants (most of whom would in fact be "poor and destitute") should be embraced with open arms. "Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" says Lady Liberty. In other words, Emma and Lady Liberty want there to be no barriers to the arrival of immigrants to the USA. Each and every one should be welcomed, regardless of their station in life.
