symbolism behind this poem and this monument? >> because they'll say it's not the law. that emma lazarus' poem is a poem. but i think what people are having such a hard time with is those words have bearing on how we see ourselves. it is part of the american story. if america is a country about ideas, which it is, this runs counter to that idea that you can come to this country with nothing. how many stories have you heard? i came to this country with nothing. my father came with nothing. my father came with nothing. >> so many. >> and we made a life here. and they became successful americans. and that is is core of what this is about. trying to decide, who gets to come in, who's worth the risk? >> npr host, rachel martin. and i should also point out, ken cuccinelli will be on erin tonight at 7:00 eastern here on cnn. rachel, thank you very much. >> you're welcome. the president just claimed the top republican in the senate now supports background checks.