Here's why:
* Direct Creation: The poem was written by Lazarus herself, making it a direct expression of her thoughts and ideas.
* First-hand Account: While the poem is about the Statue of Liberty, it reflects Lazarus's personal interpretation of the statue's symbolism and its message of welcome to immigrants.
* Historical Context: The poem was written in 1883 and reflects the historical context of immigration and the changing face of America at that time.
It's important to note that while "The New Colossus" is a primary source, it can also be used as a source for secondary research on topics like immigration, American identity, or the history of the Statue of Liberty. However, the poem itself remains a direct expression of Lazarus's perspective.