The Borders, Trade, and Immigration Institute (BTI), a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Center of Excellence (COE) based at the University of Houston, will host an open house to showcase the work of its researchers on Monday, March 27.
President Renu Khator will open the event, which will begin at 2 p.m. on the University of Houston campus. Other speakers will include representatives from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Southwest Border States Sheriff’s Coalition and the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe.
The BTI Institute was established by the DHS Science and Technology Directorate in 2015 with an initial $3.4 million grant, charged with expanding research and education programs to strengthen border security, facilitate legitimate trade and travel, and promote social and economic development. The institute is a DHS COE, a program authorized under the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to capitalize on university-based research to enhance security.
The BTI Institute now includes research projects at 10 universities in seven states, as well as corporate partners.
Researchers will be available to talk about their work in the areas of transnational flows (movements) of people and goods.
WHAT: Borders, Trade, and Immigration Institute Ribbon Cutting Showcase
WHO: Speakers will include Bradley L. Etter, Chief Intelligence Officer (Houston), Immigration and Customs Enforcement;
Cynthia Whittenburg, Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner, Customs and Border Protection Office of Trade and Customs;
Louis Guthrie, Chief of Tribal Police, Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas; and Joe Frank Martinez, Sheriff of Val Verde
County and chairman of the Southwest Border States Sheriff’s Coalition.
WHEN: 2 p.m. Monday, March 27
WHERE: UH Student Center South, Houston Room.
Map. Parking available across the street at Welcome Center garage.
MEDIA CONTACT: Jeannie Kever, 713-743-0778, m-713-504-3769, jekever@uh.edu.