"That plaque was put on the Statue of Liberty at almost the same time as the first public charge was passed -- very interesting timing."
Cuccinelli was asked about Lazarus' poem on Monday and whether the new immigration changes would merit its removal from the statue's pedestal.
"I do not think, by any means, we're ready to take anything off the Statue of Liberty," he said.
Strict immigration policiesThe Trump administration has taken the toughest stance against legal and illegal immigration of any presidency in modern times.
The poem that you're referring to was added later (and) is not actually part of the original Statue of Liberty."