A group of Edgewood students and faculty have been in the Arizona borderlands all week, learning about immigration issues in an area that has been ground zero for much of US policy around immigration in recent years.  We have met with DREAMers from ASU, legal experts, immigrant rights activists, a representative from the Tohono O'odham Nation, religious and faith-based organizations, journalists and the Mexican consulate on the border in Douglas, Arizona.  We have spoken with many people personally affected by changing US policy, and the reality of living in the militarized border zone.

Yesterday, we traveled to the border and saw the wall -- part of the 700 miles of border wall that already exists.  Students called the experience "emotional, transformational, altering and powerful". 

Today we will be volunteering at the former Benedictine Monastery in Tucson, which is serving as a receiving center for immigrants seeking asylum.

When we return, students will be presenting in venues across Edgewood and the community -- stay tuned!

Our work would not have been possible without the support of the Annual Opportunity Trustees Fund, the Ebben Fund, the School of Education, COR, OSII and many programs and individuals across the campus and throughout the Madison community who have generously supported us.  To all of them, we say gracias!!