Then i smiled because all of the questions were over. the men asked papa and mama to read some italian words from a book, and the official stamped our papers. then he grinned and said in english, “welcome to the united states of america! ” and in that instant, joy won the fight on mama’s face.
we were taken to a boat that would sail us across the harbor to the city and a brand new life. as i boarded i smiled up at lady liberty who stood tall with her spoon in hand, ready to stir us in.

which main idea is conveyed in this excerpt?