WASHINGTON, May 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Senator Edward M. Kennedy, chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Refugees, today delivered remarks at the Anti-Defamation League's (ADL) National Leadership Conference where he issued a call for meaningful immigration reform. ADL announced the re-issuance of President Kennedy's classic essay on immigration in America, "A Nation of Immigrants" and Senator Kennedy discussed and took questions on the current immigration debate.
"Immigrants still come to America in search of a better life for themselves and their families, and they make invaluable contributions to every aspect of our society. Our ability to protect their rights is a test of our own humanity, and we have to get it right today," Senator Kennedy said. "We face a critical choice -- between a future as a nation of immigrants, or a future measured by higher walls and longer fences. We need to do all we can to create strong bipartisan support for this approach. The American people have waited long enough for immigration reform. The time is right, and the result is up to us."
ADL and Senator Kennedy announced the re-issuance of "A Nation of Immigrants," the classic essay written by then-Senator John F. Kennedy 50 years ago. The essay, which was originally written by the Senator for ADL in 1958, will be republished by HarperCollins and will be available in bookstores in January 2008.
"It is sad that in every generation we need to continue to fight the battles of ignorance, intolerance, anti-Semitism, bigotry and hate," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. On this first day of May, when many immigrants have taken their oath of citizenship, we remember that we are indeed a nation of immigrants, and that America must remain a safe haven for those from other lands who come here to make a new life.
"It is our hope that the re-issuance of 'A Nation of Immigrants' will help to stir new dialogue and discussion in America about this fundamental issue that goes to the heart of our democracy," said Mr. Foxman.
ADL leaders from across the country gathered for briefings from key government leaders, policymakers, ambassadors and opinion-molders during the annual ADL Shana Amy Glass National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. Among the issues on the agenda are immigration reform, Holocaust remembrance, global anti-Semitism, U.S. policy in the Middle East, and Israel.
The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.
Contact: Myrna Shinbaum (212) 885-7747
Todd Gutnick (212) 885-7755
Anti-Defamation League
