_Hannah-Marie Chisnell is a freshman journalism major at MU. She is an opinion columnist who writes about social and justice issues for The Maneater._

Not only does ABC Freeform’s show, “The Fosters,” stay up to date with issues regarding the foster care system, but it also features social issues. In regards to politics, “The Fosters” touches on the struggles of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients and immigration laws. They also shine a light on a range of issues that hit home for most of us.

This show not only provides the viewers with quality entertainment, but it also starts to open their minds on topics they aren’t accustomed to discussing.

“The Fosters” features a lesbian couple who have one birth son, and are foster parents to two latinos, a juvenile delinquent and her brother. Not only does the show encourage people to be open to people who they aren’t used to seeing, but it also brings immigration issues to life on screen.

In season five, the episode “#IWasMadeInAmerica” presents the characters at an anti-immigration politicians rally. It depicts them protesting the politician in favor of DACA recipients at her rally. “DREAMer” Ximena (Lisseth Chavez) is seeking sanctuary in a local church when Immigration and Customs Enforcement and FBI agents surround the church. Callie (Maia Mitchell) goes on Facebook Live to document what is going on inside and outside the church.

In an interview with TV Guide, executive producer Joanna Johnson said that she and the other writers wanted to keep Ximena’s journey in the church long and hard, and not take the easy route with this story. She wanted to do this simply to tell people not “to think that it’s an easy solution for these people be pursued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.”

“We really wanted to make people realize that there are something like 800,000 kids, people in DACA, who are awaiting the decision on their fate. It doesn’t seem like anyone in Congress is desperate to address this issue,” Johnson said.

Considering the fact that the U.S. was built as a country of immigrants, why isn’t Congress wanting to accept more immigrants into the country? Being as we are willing to keep with traditions, we should also be willing to accept more people here.

As a mainstream show, “The Fosters” gives people an opportunity to be more open minded about things they aren’t used to. There are people on campus everyday dealing with problems with their immigration status that many are unaware of.

People are just now willing to be open about their sexual orientation. “The Fosters” isn’t the only show starring LGBTQ+ characters. Shows like “Modern Family” and “Glee” have also featured characters who are in same-sex relationships. Even The Ellen Degeneres Show’s host is lesbian.

With more programs starring members of the LGBTQ+ community and immigrants as characters, viewers are more open to the idea of accepting them. According to a 2012 poll in The Hollywood Reporter, 27 percent of responders are now more supportive of same-sex marriages after viewing “Glee” and “Modern Family.”

Therefore, the next time you watch shows that feature immigration laws, LGBTQ+ characters or social issues, remember there are people around you facing these issues. Whether they are struggling with coming out, being accepted or gaining DACA status, let them know you have their back.