Former Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson and his wife, Stacy, have established a scholarship at Wichita State University to help children of undocumented immigrants earn their degrees to pursue the American Dream.

The Parkinsons said they believe the contributions of immigrants have helped the United States become the greatest country in the world.

“What we have built in the United States is a miracle,” Mark Parkinson said. “The question was whether people from all over the world could come together, form a new government, build a just society, practice free market capitalism and succeed. The results have been spectacular.”

He added: “Yet, there are some who have forgotten what we are all about. They belittle and intimidate our new generation of immigrants. Stacy and I want these new pioneers to understand that they are not alone. Immigrants are not only welcome, they are a vital part of our country’s future success.”

The Parkinsons, who live in Washington, D.C., have donated $200,000 to launch the Mark and Stacy Parkinson Scholarship for First Generation Immigrant Students. It is intended to support undocumented students who are the children of immigrants, especially those in the DACA program.