Border Briefs: Understanding the complexities and opportunities of the US-Mexico boundary 

The border region between Mexico and the United States has been transformed from a lightly populated frontier to a dynamic zone with a booming economy and population. Substantial numbers of residents on the two sides of the border interact across the boundary, producing a society and geographic territory that is different from the United States or Mexico.
 
The border contrasts a highly developed powerful and wealthy nation with a developing country and the issues are well known but persistent: if the border region across the 10 states – Mexican and American – comprising the border region were America's 51st state, it would rank at or near the bottom in nearly all measures of prosperity, community health, educational opportunity and quality of life. The border is the focus of issues such as migration, drug trafficking, crossborder crime and violence, security, terrorism, environmental contamination and sewage flows, communicable diseases, and others. It is more than tragic, it is also wasteful because these challenges do yield to informed and vigorous action, as both sides of the border share opportunities provided by complementary synergies across the international divide.
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The Border Briefs will provide accurate, current information about the region on six topics: ​

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Analysis to inform funders, policymakers, and stakeholders on the health disparities and needs among those living and working in Border communities.

​Analysis to inform funders, policymakers, and stakeholders on the factors that impact education along the Border, and what it will take to strengthen academic opportunities so that they meet the needs of a modern economy.

Analysis to inform funders, policymakers, and stakeholders on how migration between U.S. and Mexico has shaped existing dynamics in the Border region.

​Analysis to inform funders, policymakers, and stakeholders on environmental impacts that impact the health and well being of millions of Border crossers and residents between U.S. and Mexico