Summary: This week at In The Past Lane, the American history podcast, we look at a little-known aspect of US immigration history - the story behind the Statue of Liberty and how it came to symbolize America's tradition of welcoming immigrants. Next, I speak with historian Vincent Cannato about why immigration is now - and seemingly always has been - a hot-button political issue. Finally, it's The History Skinny, where historian Stephanie Yuhl and I examine how history has made the headlines in recent days.
