Border Policy Research Institute
@bpri.bsky.social
The BPRI undertakes multidisciplinary research on Canada - US border issues to help improve policy, mobility, and collaboration. Topics include trade, transportation, security, and human mobility.
bpri.wwu.edu
cedar.wwu.edu/bpri
bpri.wwu.edu
cedar.wwu.edu/bpri
Upcoming event!
The Future of Borders with Laurie Trautman and @edwardalden.bsky.social
Saturday, Feb. 7, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Whatcom Museum Rotunda Room, 121 Prospect St., Bellingham
Follow the link for more details 👉https://wcls.libcal.com/event/15670761
The Future of Borders with Laurie Trautman and @edwardalden.bsky.social
Saturday, Feb. 7, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Whatcom Museum Rotunda Room, 121 Prospect St., Bellingham
Follow the link for more details 👉https://wcls.libcal.com/event/15670761
February 3, 2026 at 10:57 PM
Upcoming event!
The Future of Borders with Laurie Trautman and @edwardalden.bsky.social
Saturday, Feb. 7, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Whatcom Museum Rotunda Room, 121 Prospect St., Bellingham
Follow the link for more details 👉https://wcls.libcal.com/event/15670761
The Future of Borders with Laurie Trautman and @edwardalden.bsky.social
Saturday, Feb. 7, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Whatcom Museum Rotunda Room, 121 Prospect St., Bellingham
Follow the link for more details 👉https://wcls.libcal.com/event/15670761
Reposted by Border Policy Research Institute
I've never canceled a long-planned European vacation before. But this month, I did.
So I've written about how belittling and threatening countries affects #tourism, both into the US and now heading out, in a @cascadiadaily.com guest commentary (free to read). www.cascadiadaily.com/2026/jan/26/...
So I've written about how belittling and threatening countries affects #tourism, both into the US and now heading out, in a @cascadiadaily.com guest commentary (free to read). www.cascadiadaily.com/2026/jan/26/...
Guest Writer: Borders, tourists and the Trump travel effect | Cascadia Daily News
What Canada felt in 2025, Europe feels in 2026
www.cascadiadaily.com
January 27, 2026 at 3:22 PM
I've never canceled a long-planned European vacation before. But this month, I did.
So I've written about how belittling and threatening countries affects #tourism, both into the US and now heading out, in a @cascadiadaily.com guest commentary (free to read). www.cascadiadaily.com/2026/jan/26/...
So I've written about how belittling and threatening countries affects #tourism, both into the US and now heading out, in a @cascadiadaily.com guest commentary (free to read). www.cascadiadaily.com/2026/jan/26/...
📣 New publication alert!
Our new Brief highlights changes to US border policy – both proposed and implemented – that may ‘thicken’ the border crossing experience by increasing processing times, and potentially wait times for both Canadians and for non-Canadians traveling from Canada to the US.
Our new Brief highlights changes to US border policy – both proposed and implemented – that may ‘thicken’ the border crossing experience by increasing processing times, and potentially wait times for both Canadians and for non-Canadians traveling from Canada to the US.
January 20, 2026 at 11:56 PM
📣 New publication alert!
Our new Brief highlights changes to US border policy – both proposed and implemented – that may ‘thicken’ the border crossing experience by increasing processing times, and potentially wait times for both Canadians and for non-Canadians traveling from Canada to the US.
Our new Brief highlights changes to US border policy – both proposed and implemented – that may ‘thicken’ the border crossing experience by increasing processing times, and potentially wait times for both Canadians and for non-Canadians traveling from Canada to the US.
As we enter 2026, there are many reflections to be made about the last year's shift in CB travel in our region. Border crossings from Canadians into Whatcom County in 2025 decreased 36% from the previous year. As with all our infographics, you can find them here 👉https://bpri.wwu.edu/infographics
January 9, 2026 at 10:22 PM
As we enter 2026, there are many reflections to be made about the last year's shift in CB travel in our region. Border crossings from Canadians into Whatcom County in 2025 decreased 36% from the previous year. As with all our infographics, you can find them here 👉https://bpri.wwu.edu/infographics
If you want to hear our perspective on what we saw in terms of Canadian travel habits to Whatcom County in 2025 and how this is likely the new normal for 2026, see the CTV News interview below.
The impact of tariffs, "51st state" rhetoric and increased border hassles (plus a weak Canadian dollar) on crossings from BC into the US at Whatcom County?
Down an average of 38%, year to year, in the last five months of 2025.
Thoughts from @bpri.bsky.social on CTV. www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
Down an average of 38%, year to year, in the last five months of 2025.
Thoughts from @bpri.bsky.social on CTV. www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
New data: B.C. land border crossings into U.S. saw Canada’s biggest drop in 2025
Crossings at the Canada-U.S. land border in B.C. decreased at a rate above the national average in 2025, according to new data.
www.ctvnews.ca
January 9, 2026 at 10:17 PM
If you want to hear our perspective on what we saw in terms of Canadian travel habits to Whatcom County in 2025 and how this is likely the new normal for 2026, see the CTV News interview below.
Cascadia has long been considered a model of strong cross-border collaboration, however, it is not immune to policy shifts or emerging challenges that could disrupt its long-standing relationships.
July 18, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Cascadia has long been considered a model of strong cross-border collaboration, however, it is not immune to policy shifts or emerging challenges that could disrupt its long-standing relationships.
Please join us as Laurie Trautman, Ginny Broadhurst, @sharonshewmake.bsky.social, @uscanada-sands.bsky.social and Derek Moscato discuss how increased tensions are impacting our cross-border region
and the efforts to overcome them.
When: Online, June 11 at 4pm PT
foundation.wwu.edu/event/trust-...
and the efforts to overcome them.
When: Online, June 11 at 4pm PT
foundation.wwu.edu/event/trust-...
June 6, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Please join us as Laurie Trautman, Ginny Broadhurst, @sharonshewmake.bsky.social, @uscanada-sands.bsky.social and Derek Moscato discuss how increased tensions are impacting our cross-border region
and the efforts to overcome them.
When: Online, June 11 at 4pm PT
foundation.wwu.edu/event/trust-...
and the efforts to overcome them.
When: Online, June 11 at 4pm PT
foundation.wwu.edu/event/trust-...
We've been hearing about drops in Canadians crossing the border in the Cascade Gateway in 2025. The data tells us that we're seeing a significant drop in SB Canadian travelers so far.
This has numerous implications for our local border communities.
Take a look at BPRI's newest infographic below 👇
This has numerous implications for our local border communities.
Take a look at BPRI's newest infographic below 👇
May 16, 2025 at 9:40 PM
We've been hearing about drops in Canadians crossing the border in the Cascade Gateway in 2025. The data tells us that we're seeing a significant drop in SB Canadian travelers so far.
This has numerous implications for our local border communities.
Take a look at BPRI's newest infographic below 👇
This has numerous implications for our local border communities.
Take a look at BPRI's newest infographic below 👇
BPRI and the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce would like to track tariff impacts in our local community.
This survey is directed at businesses in Whatcom County to assess perceptions of tariffs, trade irritants, and changes to cross-border travel.
👇
wwu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
This survey is directed at businesses in Whatcom County to assess perceptions of tariffs, trade irritants, and changes to cross-border travel.
👇
wwu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management
The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.
wwu.az1.qualtrics.com
May 14, 2025 at 5:26 PM
BPRI and the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce would like to track tariff impacts in our local community.
This survey is directed at businesses in Whatcom County to assess perceptions of tariffs, trade irritants, and changes to cross-border travel.
👇
wwu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
This survey is directed at businesses in Whatcom County to assess perceptions of tariffs, trade irritants, and changes to cross-border travel.
👇
wwu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
Upcoming World Issues Forum talk: The Island of Ireland after Brexit. Follow the link for more details 👇https://foundation.wwu.edu/event/island-ireland-after-brexit
The Island of Ireland after Brexit | The Foundation for WWU & Alumni | Western Washington University
The UK’s exit from the European Union had a profound impact on the island of Ireland, unsettling the 1998 peace settlement. As the consequences of Brexit for Ireland continue to unfold, this lecture a...
foundation.wwu.edu
April 21, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Upcoming World Issues Forum talk: The Island of Ireland after Brexit. Follow the link for more details 👇https://foundation.wwu.edu/event/island-ireland-after-brexit
Reposted by Border Policy Research Institute
@bpri.bsky.social director Dr. Laurie Trautman and CFR’s Edward Alden speaking about their new book at Village Books! @edwardalden.bsky.social
March 9, 2025 at 1:05 AM
@bpri.bsky.social director Dr. Laurie Trautman and CFR’s Edward Alden speaking about their new book at Village Books! @edwardalden.bsky.social
Every day, electricity crosses the #Canada-US #border. In 2023, Canada provided power equal to electricity consumption by 4.58 million homes. On Tuesday, Trump imposed a 10% tariff on energy imports from Canada, which will most likely translate to higher utility bills for these millions of home.
March 6, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Every day, electricity crosses the #Canada-US #border. In 2023, Canada provided power equal to electricity consumption by 4.58 million homes. On Tuesday, Trump imposed a 10% tariff on energy imports from Canada, which will most likely translate to higher utility bills for these millions of home.
The third installment from our #BPRI #Trade infographic series focuses on #aerospace.
In Seattle & Montreal aerospace leads to economic growth and innovation. Just like cars in the Detroit-Windsor region, planes and parts are traded between us and allow us to travel around the world.
In Seattle & Montreal aerospace leads to economic growth and innovation. Just like cars in the Detroit-Windsor region, planes and parts are traded between us and allow us to travel around the world.
March 4, 2025 at 5:33 PM
The third installment from our #BPRI #Trade infographic series focuses on #aerospace.
In Seattle & Montreal aerospace leads to economic growth and innovation. Just like cars in the Detroit-Windsor region, planes and parts are traded between us and allow us to travel around the world.
In Seattle & Montreal aerospace leads to economic growth and innovation. Just like cars in the Detroit-Windsor region, planes and parts are traded between us and allow us to travel around the world.
Here is our next infographic trying to provide some context for how the #tariffs and counter-tariffs might impact Washington's economy (and you if you like our craft brews!)
March 3, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Here is our next infographic trying to provide some context for how the #tariffs and counter-tariffs might impact Washington's economy (and you if you like our craft brews!)
Very proud to see BPRI’s expertise contribute to this @apnews.com story on the regional implications of #tariffs in our various #borderland communities. @wwu.edu
Our @bpri.bsky.social Trade in the Borderlands is featured in @apnews.com!
Tariffs will impact companies, communities & people on both sides of our shared border. In border comm. they not only will have $$ impacts but also ripple effects on social ties & daily life
apnews.com/article/trum...
Tariffs will impact companies, communities & people on both sides of our shared border. In border comm. they not only will have $$ impacts but also ripple effects on social ties & daily life
apnews.com/article/trum...
From Alaska to Maine, communities that border Canada worry US tariffs come at a personal cost
The 25% tariff on most imported Canadian goods that President Donald Trump’s plans to impose Tuesday has touched off a range of emotions along the world’s longest international border.
apnews.com
March 3, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Very proud to see BPRI’s expertise contribute to this @apnews.com story on the regional implications of #tariffs in our various #borderland communities. @wwu.edu
With what appears to be imminent #tariffs - and counter tariffs - there are some place-specific ways that we'll feel the squeeze. Here in the NW corner of Washington, raspberries are one of them. #BPRI will be releasing a series of these infographics to put some context to the numbers for #Cascadia
February 26, 2025 at 5:36 PM
BPRI was happy to contribute to this upcoming edited volume, and it couldn't be more timely. BPRI specifically looked at #cross-#border regions along the CA-US border to contend that governance is at its strongest and most innovative at the #regional scale.
📚New book
This new book explores the formation and evolution of trade and economic integration in North America since the implementation of the 1994 NAFTA, featuring contributions from several ABS members.
www.e-elgar.com/shop/usd/the...
This new book explores the formation and evolution of trade and economic integration in North America since the implementation of the 1994 NAFTA, featuring contributions from several ABS members.
www.e-elgar.com/shop/usd/the...
February 19, 2025 at 10:51 PM
BPRI was happy to contribute to this upcoming edited volume, and it couldn't be more timely. BPRI specifically looked at #cross-#border regions along the CA-US border to contend that governance is at its strongest and most innovative at the #regional scale.
Great piece by #WWU #Journalism Professor Dr. Derek Moscato in the Salish Current.
Borderlands anxiety prompts wider reflection on bioregionalism
Commentary: Political shifts necessitate broader economic and environmental reflection in our cross-border region.
salish-current.org
February 10, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Great piece by #WWU #Journalism Professor Dr. Derek Moscato in the Salish Current.
Our region is a model for how two nations can work together to advance shared interests. It's at risk with recent wall- building measures at the border.
Check out Dr. Trautman and @edwardalden.bsky.social alden.bsky.social's most recent Op-Ed in the
@seattletimes-rss.bsky.social to learn more.
Check out Dr. Trautman and @edwardalden.bsky.social alden.bsky.social's most recent Op-Ed in the
@seattletimes-rss.bsky.social to learn more.
www.seattletimes.com
February 7, 2025 at 12:12 AM
Our region is a model for how two nations can work together to advance shared interests. It's at risk with recent wall- building measures at the border.
Check out Dr. Trautman and @edwardalden.bsky.social alden.bsky.social's most recent Op-Ed in the
@seattletimes-rss.bsky.social to learn more.
Check out Dr. Trautman and @edwardalden.bsky.social alden.bsky.social's most recent Op-Ed in the
@seattletimes-rss.bsky.social to learn more.
In this NBC article, Dr. Trautman argues that the US is losing much more than we gain from all the chaos of threatening our strongest trade partners with #tariffs.
www.nbcnews.com/business/bus...
www.nbcnews.com/business/bus...
Some tariff concessions from Canada and Mexico touted by Trump lack substance, experts say
Analysts, including conservative commentators, note that some policies America’s neighbors promised to avoid trade duties were already in the works.
www.nbcnews.com
February 6, 2025 at 6:59 PM
In this NBC article, Dr. Trautman argues that the US is losing much more than we gain from all the chaos of threatening our strongest trade partners with #tariffs.
www.nbcnews.com/business/bus...
www.nbcnews.com/business/bus...
While the immediate threat of a #trade war is paused, there are numerous spillover effects that impact our social and #economic ties across the #border.
bpri.wwu.edu
bpri.wwu.edu
Home | Border Policy Research Institute | Western Washington University
bpri.wwu.edu
February 4, 2025 at 6:31 PM
While the immediate threat of a #trade war is paused, there are numerous spillover effects that impact our social and #economic ties across the #border.
bpri.wwu.edu
bpri.wwu.edu
Reposted by Border Policy Research Institute
Really looking forward to this!
2/23 at 7:30 PM | Journalist @edwardalden.bsky.social and researcher Laurie Trautman critically assess the shock of the globally sweeping 2020 border closures during the pandemic, as well as the implications for international migration. https://buff.ly/40wleuY
January 24, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Really looking forward to this!
Recommended reading 👇
Trump claims he will fix a broken border. Don’t believe a word of it. His actions will make the border more dangerous and more chaotic, with enormous human consequences.
My latest in Foreign Policy:
foreignpolicy.com/2025/01/23/t...
My latest in Foreign Policy:
foreignpolicy.com/2025/01/23/t...
Trump’s Immigration Orders Will Bring Chaos to the Border
Nothing in the history of U.S. border control suggests that the new administration’s approach will be effective.
foreignpolicy.com
January 24, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Recommended reading 👇
BPRI's Laurie Trautman weighed into the national conversation regarding Canada’s announcement today to invest over $1 billion on border security to address a wide range of issues.
Canada commits $1.3B to tighten border security after Trump tariff threat | Watch News Videos Online
Watch Canada commits $1.3B to tighten border security after Trump tariff threat Video Online, on GlobalNews.ca
globalnews.ca
December 18, 2024 at 4:18 PM
BPRI's Laurie Trautman weighed into the national conversation regarding Canada’s announcement today to invest over $1 billion on border security to address a wide range of issues.
After changes to its immigration policies earlier this fall, Canadian govt under pressure from internal actors and incoming Trump administration, unveil ambitious border measures, tackling issues from security to fentanyl, and further immigration reforms.
Canadian government announces new border security plan amid Donald Trump tariff threats
The federal government has laid out a five-pillared approach to boosting border security, though it doesn't include specifics about where and how the $1.3-billion funding package earmarked in the fall...
www.ctvnews.ca
December 17, 2024 at 9:47 PM
After changes to its immigration policies earlier this fall, Canadian govt under pressure from internal actors and incoming Trump administration, unveil ambitious border measures, tackling issues from security to fentanyl, and further immigration reforms.