ASM committees host congressional call-in event

MADISON, Wis. — The Student Advocacy Committee and the Justice, Equity and Belonging Committee of the Associated Students of Madison hosted a congressional call-in event on Friday to give students the opportunity to voice their opinions to lawmakers about increased immigration enforcement in Minneapolis and around the country.

At the event, students called the offices of their representatives and senators on both sides of the aisle to voice their perspectives on funding as it relates to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). If they chose, participants were given information sheets containing office phone numbers, a template and other resources to assist them.

The event was hosted following Congress passing temporary funding for DHS. This gave Congress a new deadline of Feb. 13 to finalize funding for DHS, and lawmakers were expected to negotiate reforms for agencies conducting immigration enforcement under DHS, including ICE, according to NBC News.

Advocacy at various levels, including at the legislative level, are important parts of ASM’s activities. Both the Student Advocacy Committee and the Justice, Equity and Belonging committee often take part in advocating to government and university officials.