It mirrors some of the xenophobia in the latest hysteria.
Personal observations aside, you see xenophobia because you want to see it. Xenophobia, meaning a "dislike of that which is different," is hardly what the majority of folks who want our borders secured and the flood of illegal aliens stemmed have a problem with.
FYI I am plenty old enough to remember the concerns about taking in Vietnamese refugees as well as remember how quickly those concerns were laid to rest by the very veterans who fought there. My memory is that they led the way, they had the compassion and wisdom to know these were victims in every sense and they are the ones who had the courage to speak up for them. But I'm old, my memory may not be so hot.