IF the Statue of Liberty could, she’d hang her head in shame and weep at what’s befallen her land. For inscribed on her are the word,s “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door”. For many years and for many millions, mainly from Europe, the United States was a haven offering respite from poverty or pogrom. The land wasn’t as welcoming for blacks, Hispanics or Muslims.

But credit has to be given where it is due and many Scots, including a women from a poor family in the Western Isles, benefited from it. Now, though, that woman’s son is acting appallingly as President of the US and shaming that great legacy.

The detention of migrant children has been horrific; some 2,300 held for the crime of having poor parents and being born in lands devastated by war and disorder, much of that fuelled by America. The central American states have seen 10 per cent of their combined population of about 30 million people fleeing for their lives. As they seek to tumble ashore they’ve not been guided to a golden door but arrested and their children have been taken from them.

The footage of the facilities, a converted supermarket, was horrific and the sound of crying children heartbreaking. It rightly provoked outrage. Fortunately, right-minded citizens spoke out though, if opinion polls are to be believed, a majority of Republicans supported Donald Trump. The objection of his family should be with a huge pinch of salt but that of former First Ladies was genuine.

Such was the furore that even the belligerent Mr Trump had to soften his stance but don’t be fooled: it is but a facade and the war on immigration, with the collateral damage to so many young innocents, continues. His statements since have shown neither remorse nor indicated a softening of the stance. It has been suggested that many, if not most, of those detained may never be reunited with their parents and now children are to be detained, just not separated from their parents.

A comedian dubbed the President “Kentucky Fried Nero”; funny but it doesn’t convey the cruelty of a truly narcissistic and callous man. He lied shamelessly about requiring to do this when it was a policy choice, not adhering to existing law. This was compounded by the language used to describe those fleeing destitution and horror. It was perverse, designed not just to degrade but almost to classify the victims as subhuman.

Mr Trump ignored the actions of American corporations and even the American state that has caused so much poverty and war in central America. The gangs that prey upon the innocent were established in the US and are fuelled by America’s almost insatiable craving for drugs. There was a remarkable story in the LA Times a few weeks ago about the only gun shop in Mexico, run by federal authorities and never busy. Yet 7,667 people were killed in that country in the first three months of this year, the overwhelming majority by American guns and for Americans to buy drugs. The problem isn’t in Mexico or central America but in the US.

What’s more sinister is the actions of the Attorney General, the equally odious Jeff Sessions, who’s ramping up the attacks on illegal migrants. His actions are increasing the pressure not just on those who still seek to flee, despite the harsher risks, but also on those settled in a land they’ve made home. They are being deported in a way that makes the Windrush debacle look like a Sunday picnic.

So it is with shame, not honour, that Britain will welcome Mr Trump next month. It is hard to see how Theresa May could rescind the invitation or incur wrath, as there’s a dignity that goes with the office, even when the individual shames it. But celebrations should be muted and demonstrations must be substantial.

But Europe cannot be smug or sanctimonious not simply because of our past history but also given what’s happening on our shores. Memories are short and, though the Kindertransport for children fleeing Nazi persecution and the refuge given to Basque young people fleeing General Franco were admirable, many more found doors closed or treatment shabby.

Now the plight of refugees and migrants seeking to land on Europe’s shores no longer makes the news as once it did and, more worryingly, this has less effect on our consciences.

The admirable actions of Angela Merkel aren’t being replicated by many and even she’s under pressure. More worryingly, there’s a rise in anti-immigrant sentiment. It is being legalised and normalised. This week, Hungary passed laws that criminalised providing aid to illegal immigrants.

Whatever happened to kindness and compassion, never mind human rights? A recent opinion poll in Sweden showed the Swedish Democrats out in front and polling 30%. This is as odious an organisation as any in Europe, in the cradle of European social democracy.

So this isn’t just about Mr Trump; it is about how civilised societies and decent people react everywhere. Hearts are hardening around the globe and our moral compass is going awry. Refugees are going to be the issue of our time. One per cent of humanity is a refugee or displaced, greater than the population of France, and more than half are under 18 years of age. It is only going to worsen.

It is time for good people here to speak out as well as they did in America. It is not just demonstrating against Mr Trump that’s needed but action against Hungary that’s required.

The Prime Minister was right to speak out against Mr Trump but she needs to change how we deal with migrant children here and address in a more compassionate way the crisis humanity is facing .

Huddled masses are being tempest-tossed around the globe and seeking refuge on distant shores; we all need to lift our lamp and open the golden door to them. We need to speak and act for decency, care and concern.