Since 2005, TBI has utilized funding from a variety of sources — including its discretionary budget of $23,000 and its faculty research funds of $35,000 — to conduct research and host programs on important policy issues in the U.S.-Mexico context. First, primarily through the Justice in Mexico Project (www.justiceinmexico.org), TBI has focused on security, judicial reform, and the rule of law issues, and has evolved to include sustained monitoring and research, critical engagement with policymakers, as well as training and educational exchanges. Second, TBI’s programs have focused on various issues associated with sustainable economic development that confront Mexico and the border region, particularly in the San Diego-Baja California bi-national community. Third, TBI is actively involved in addressing immigrations issues through its research and public education programs. In addition to these thematic areas, TBI has also created new study abroad programs, in-house research programs & internships, and other educational programs that generally seek to advance the study of Mexico, U.S.-Mexico relations, and the border region.

TBI has developed an active program of speakers and conferences, TBI-funded grants, and a series of books, research papers, and briefing materials that have attracted significant media attention.

TBI engages four key policy issues related to Mexico and the border region by formalizing and deepening its work on sustainable economic development, migration and immigration policy, cross-border collaboration, and security and rule of law.