The summer of 2026 will be remembered as the moment the FIFA World Cup reminded the world of the magic of the United States. From viral moments to surging hotel bookings, the tournament showcased American hospitality. Even the strongest advocates of tougher border security embraced an important reality: when international travelers spend money, embrace our communities, and leave with a more positive view of the country, the U.S. wins. The idea that U.S. politicians would discourage travel to the U.S. is hard to imagine.

But we have seen this movie before. 

My cousin coined ‘genocide.’ They stole his name — now they’re calling our family ‘genocide deniers’

Our unpayable debt to Ed Feulner

Trump is holding disaster aid hostage. He knows he’s on thin ice

After 9/11, we overhauled our security apparatus, built a new Department of Homeland Security, and understandably prioritized keeping bad actors out over welcoming legitimate travelers. Those reforms were necessary, but travel to the U.S. fell 17% over the next five years.

KASH PATEL: TRUMP ADMINISTRATION PUT ON A SECURITY MASTERCLASS FOR FIFA WORLD CUP. HERE’S HOW WE DID IT

In response to this decline, the Secure Borders and Open Doors advisory committee wrote the following, which is still true today:

“Our........

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