Emma Lazarus was an American poet and activist born on July 22, 1849, in New York City. She is best known for her poem “The New Colossus,” which was published in 1883. This poem is famous for its lines about welcoming immigrants to the United States, and it is inscribed on a plaque at the base of the Statue of Liberty. Lazarus was also involved in advocating for Jewish refugees fleeing persecution in Eastern Europe. Her work highlighted the struggles of immigrants and the importance of compassion and acceptance in American society. She passed away on November 19, 1887, but her legacy continues to resonate today.