The Statue of Liberty, America’s beacon of welcome and refuge, became a battleground in the recent immigration debate, ignited by Rep. Maxwell Frost’s (D-Fla.) fiery performance at a House Oversight Committee hearing. Frost challenged Republicans, demanding they pass a bill removing the Statue of Liberty alongside their proposed border security and immigration bill, H.R.2.

“My colleagues from the other side of the aisle, let’s be honest with immigrants who deserve better than what you’re offering them,” Frost declared, brandishing a mock bill. “Don’t welcome immigrants if you plan to reject them. If you keep pushing your bigoted H.R. 2 bill, then also pass this bill. I’ve taken the liberty of drafting it for you. It removes the Statue of Liberty, our largest symbol that tells people to come here.”

His audacious proposal sparked a firestorm of reactions. While some Democrats applauded his boldness in highlighting H.R.2’s alleged hypocrisy, others, including seasoned New York representatives, found his gesture unproductive. “Dismantling symbols, no matter how potent, simply distracts from the urgent need for tangible solutions,” argued one critic. “We need comprehensive asylum reform and addressing the root causes of migration, not symbolic demolition.”

Unfazed by the criticism, Frost remained defiant. “Embrace H.R.2’s xenophobia,” he thundered, “and tear down Lady Liberty too! Her torch illuminates your hypocrisy. Removing her would be the starkest reflection of who you truly are!” His accusatory words, though dripping with controversy, resonated deeply. Can America truly claim its mantle as a beacon of liberty while turning away those seeking refuge at its shores? This was the unsettling paradox Frost thrust upon New Yorkers and the nation.

Frost’s gamble ignited a critical conversation about our national identity and commitment to inclusivity. He forced us to confront uncomfortable questions: What does it mean to be a land of liberty in the 21st century? Can we secure our borders without sacrificing the very values that define us?

Moving forward, this debate demands thoughtful and nuanced dialogue. We must seek solutions that address the complexities of the immigration crisis while remaining true to the core values etched on the Statue of Liberty and ensuring that America remains a beacon of hope for all seeking refuge.