United States of Willy Wonka

America is called many things by many people--big brother, world power, power monger, land of the free, and home of the brave, axis of evil (wait, that's not us). Call her what you may, at least she is fair.

There has been much controversy lately over border control, what with recent deportations, plans to build fences and all. There are immigrants and immigrant advocates all over shaking their fists and litigating for rights to the "pursuit of happiness." There are an estimated "11 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States, and more arrive each day... (http://www.npr.org)" There are lots of possible solutions to this problem, if it is indeed a problem that needs resolving. Personally, I'm all for people coming into the country, as long as it's legal. And that brings me to the topic at hand.

Under the recently revealed Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), beginning this past Tuesday, January 23, 2007, all people crossing borders into the United States will be required to provide the proper documentation. As early as January of next year, that documentation will be a valid passport. This includes US citizens. That's coming from "Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda (http://travel.state.gov)", all destinations from which we've enjoyed free passage before.

What does this mean to US citizens? Hassle.

What does this mean to US and neighboring economies? To be seen, but plausible negative repercussions, at least for airlines and others in the travel industry.

What does this mean to taxpayers? Expect more taxes to fund these efforts.

What does this mean to me? The approach to border control is harsh, but fair. Nobody, legal and illegal alike, will be welcomed into this chocolate factory without that golden ticket.