Open doors encourage open minds

Unless you are Native American, everyone in America is a descendant of immigrants.

So, blaming immigrants for poverty, unemployment, crime and increased drug use is xenophobic, racist and idiotic, as well as a desperate and transparent attempt to prevent the natural evolution of cultural identity, which has defined our country since its inception.

As a first-generation American I can attest to the benefits afforded my father who came to America at age 17.

Clearly he was a dreamer who wished the same for his future children.

Fortunately, xenophobia was not rampant at that time; he was able to work hard, raise a family in the higher-education community about the possible deportation of students protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program enacted under the Obama Administration.

Students protected by DACA are frightened and confused about their future status and ability to continue their education, and are not sure where to turn for assistance.

Colleges and universities are trying to help — through counseling, advocacy and political activism — but there are many unanswered questions.

Yet it is an undeniable fact that this is a social justice issue that is ingrained in the very fabric of our society and history.