At its core, the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Advocates for Immigrant Rights (AIR) wants to create an environment where students feel comfortable discussing immigration issues — often a sensitive and deeply personal topic.
In 2020, law students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison founded AIR after identifying a gap in student organizations focused on immigration law. Initially composed mainly of law students interested in pursuing careers related to immigration law, the organization has since expanded significantly among undergraduate students.
As undergraduate students, they cannot provide legal advice, but they prioritize education and awareness, supplying members with resources such as volunteer events and other organizations to help them get involved with immigration-related issues in the Madison area.
“I don’t want this fear, anger or passion to die out with a change in administration,” an AIR board member told The Daily Cardinal. “The state of immigration is dire regardless of who’s in office. I want to see undergraduates, graduates, faculty, community members — everyone involved.”
AIR board members asked to remain anonymous, citing safety concerns.
Beyond advocacy work, AIR places a strong emphasis on building a sense of hope among its members through monthly discussions on current events relating to immigration justice. AIR board members said these meetings allow students to share their thoughts in an open and nonjudgmental setting.
“We really just try to foster an environment in which students feel safe and comfortable asking sensitive questions,” an AIR board member told the Cardinal.
Group members mentioned that in recent meetings, they’ve struggled to comprehensively address every important immigration issue that arises. With only one meeting per month, the capacity to cover everything — especially amid the Trump administration’s crackdown on undocumented immigrants — is incredibly limited.
Additionally, AIR hosts two large-scale events each semester, including Immigration Justice Week — a collaborative effort with other advocacy groups, such as UW-Madison’s Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) — focused on educating and empowering students and community members to get involved. These events provide opportunities to hear from guest speakers, attend workshops and participate in networking activities designed to build stronger relationships between advocates.
Through events like Immigration Justice Week’s “Know Your Rights” workshops and panels with immigration experts, board members want to ensure that students are well-informed of their rights.
While immigration policy has long been a contentious issue in the United States, recent political events, such as the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration, have mobilized law students to take action. One AIR member noted that, while it is unfortunate that advocacy is often sparked by crises, it is still encouraging to see students stepping up.
This growing engagement has translated into increased membership, more collaboration with other student organizations and a stronger presence on campus.
Recently, the group collaborated with SJP for a walkout in support of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and pro-Palestine protest leader who immigration officials recently arrested in New York.
Beyond individual events, AIR members believe student activism plays a critical role in shaping social movements.
“Advocacy on campus is such an important thing to get involved in,” a member said. “If you’re passionate about something and you have the ability to mobilize, you should make that happen. Students are the heart of change.”
Acknowledging the impact of constant negative news and uncertainty, AIR views hope as an active pursuit. Through informing students of their rights and encouraging meaningful discussions, AIR wants to ensure that advocacy remains a practical and tangible goal, not just an abstract concept.
“At the end of the day, there are still so many immigration wins nationwide, worldwide,” a member reflected. “Even though you don’t see them, they’re there, and it starts on an individual and community basis.”
Ella Hanley is the college news editor for The Daily Cardinal and former associate news editor. She is a fourth-year journalism and criminal justice student and has written breaking, city, state and campus news. Follow her on Twitter at @ellamhanley.
