Border Obstacle Course

When immigrants first starting flowing into North America from Europe, they had to surpass a big scary ocean and a number of physical, financial, and emotional challenges. Naturally, those who made the trip successfully were the most ambitious, optimistic, innovative and motivated. In a Darwinian kind of way, near ancestors of those immigrants were more likely to exhibit the same kind of innovation and ambition, thus a documented and measurable boost in creativity, technology, an success in the first 200-300 years of this country.

Today's population is far removed from the original challenge of crossing the ocean and settling a new land. We have settled into a domestic, lazy lifestyle. Modern immigrants may face certain obstacles (mostly paperwork), but nothing like the voyages of the original pilgrims and immigrants.

I propose that we build giant gateways on every side of the US, where those who pass through are welcomed as citizens, without red tape or delays. They are instantly documented and free to roam. The catch is that these gateways have physical obstacle courses, tests, and various puzzles/riddles one must solve to pass through. If you can't do it, sorry, you can still go the traditional path to citizenship. Those who pass the obstacle course may go on to be great contributors in a renaissance of American spirit.