New York, NY, January 31, 2008 … In an effort to broaden understanding of immigration policy among high school students, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has developed a discussion guide to accompany A Nation of Immigrants, President John F. Kennedy's landmark essay, which has just been reissued with a new introduction by Sen. Edward M.  Kennedy and foreword by Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.

The guide makes available to teachers lessons and ideas that can be implemented in the secondary level classroom, and provides tools to help guide student reading, facilitate discussion and build critical thinking skills.

"This guide is an invaluable teaching tool that will enhance classroom discussion about an important and timely topic," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.  "It is especially important today, as anti-immigrant, xenophobic sentiments have entered the mainstream discourse, and while students attend increasingly diverse schools.

"It is critical for our youth to have a thorough understanding of immigration issues and to appreciate the important role immigrants play in our country's past, present and future."

When A Nation of Immigrants was first published in 1958, the country was locked in a fierce debate over the direction of our immigration policies. Today, as the issues of immigration and immigrants have taken center stage, the essay is as relevant as when it was written by John F. Kennedy 50 years ago at the request of ADL.

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.