U.S. Sen. Tom Udall of New Mexico was at New Mexico State University on Oct. 30. The senator covered a variety of topics on Tuesday. Students met with the politician in the Gerald Thomas Hall auditorium at 5:30 p.m.

The Associated Students of New Mexico State University hosted the event. A panel of students asked the senator questions. Udall talked about women’s rights, environmental policy, dark money and voting. He also took questions from the audience and via Facebook.

Udall said he was pleased with the open forum.

“I really believe that message needs to come to young people because young people are at the point of the spear in terms of making sure we have a good surviving democracy,” Udall said.

The senator said it is important to engage with young people because they are “the future.” He said he hopes students will step up to the plate because it is their time now.

He said the most important message he would like to send to students is the importance of voting.

“Almost evert part of your life is affected,” Udall said.

Udall also responded to the Defense Department sending 5,200 troops to the border to meet the caravan of migrants from Central America. He said he believes the U.S. already has a good border system. He said if states on the border believe they need heightened security then it should be up to the states.

“If the four U.S. states that are on the border feel that there’s a need, I think the states should probably take action with our National Guard,” Udall said.

Udall said he would encourage the idea of a supportive effort on immigration, and he believes that is a preferable way to go.

During the forum, Udall said he would do all he could to protect asylum seekers.

“They make really big contributions, and we need to recognize that,” Udall said.

Udall also touched on President Trump’s idea to end birthright citizenship for children born to immigrant parents. The senator said this would not be possible with an executive order. An amendment to the Constitution would be necessary in order to change birthright citizenship, as prescribed by the Fourteenth Amendment.

Udall speculates Trump’s idea is a strategy days before the midterm elections.

“I suspect what’s happening here is he’s trying to stir people up before the election,” Udall said. “I think it will drop by the wayside when we get further down the line.”

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 6.