February 26th, 2008
Rep. Grijalva Applauds U of A Selection as Center of Excellence for Border Security
Washington, D.C. — Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva welcomes the announcement that The University of Arizona has been selected by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as the Center of Excellence for Border Security.
The University of Arizona, along with University of Texas at El Paso, will co-lead this consortium, comprised of several universities including Minority-Serving Institutions, to develop and manage education programs regarding border security, immigration administration and policy, and programs regarding wireless communications and international conflict. Each school will receive a grant of $2 million per year for up to six years.
“I am pleased that the University of Arizona is the leading institution as the Center of Excellence for Border Security, “said Grijalva. “I commend the UofA for their leadership on a comprehensive approach to border security. Our border policy towards The U.S.-Mexico border is a constant challenge, and I am looking forward to the U of A’s efforts in helping to craft realistic and humane border policies.”
The UofA proposal was multi-disciplinary. It incorporated the many strengths throughout the campus, including strong technology in optics and sensors, information management, and the policy research with Mexican/Latin American Studies, and immigration studies.
Rep. Grijalva, coordinated a letter that included 5 other members of the Arizona delegation, in strong support of the University of Arizona proposal to the Department of Homeland Security.
Authorized by Congress, the Centers of Excellence program brings together leading experts and researchers to conduct multidisciplinary research and education for homeland security solutions. Each center is led by a university in collaboration with partners from other institutions, agencies, laboratories, think tanks, and the private sector.
Participants are chosen by The Department of Homeland Security‘s Science & Technology Directorate through a competitive selection process.
