About the Border Security and Economic Integration

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 altered priorities in the foreign policy of the United States, making border security the dominant issue in the agenda of North American cooperation. New measures to reinforce the borders to combat terrorism joined existing policies aimed at combating organized crime, especially drug trafficking, gang activity, and arms trafficking—which have acquired a growing importance in the regional context. During the process of economic and social integration, the goal of CEDAN’s Program on Border Security is to provide a tri-national forum to analyze the impact of security measures being taken along the border, as well as those measures taken to fight organized crime. The ultimate goal is to promote public policy actions that minimize needless disruptions and costs generated in the process.