The Department of Homeland Security has granted $15 million to the UA in Tucson to study border security and immigration. This research will be done as one of five new departments planned for a six year study on this topic with the possibility of renewal at the end of this period. This center of excellence will gather information from 10 other universities which include Arizona State University. Other Universities taking part are New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, New Mexico State University, San Diego State University, University of Albany, the University of Southern California, University of Texas — Pan American, the University of Minnesota, University of Washington, and the West Virginia University. This multi-institutional project in Tucson will include new technologies for detection of threats and surveillance in addition to developments in communications. There will also be studies on environmental impact due to commerce and immigration including optimum border security according to the law of the land.