In the near future, a heavy influx of immigrants causes Idaho Governor Jim Farley to close the state to foreigners. At the same time, orphaned Pakistani children are being brought to Idaho by a charity group who insist that they must enter the state. The imminent conflict is watched over by the President as well as the cameras of NewsNet, a CNN-like channel. While Farley's political decision is wreaking havoc, he becomes more concerned about his failing relationship with his mistress, NewsNet reporter Christina Fernandez, who is revealed to be pregnant with his child.
At the White House, lobbyist Jack Buchan wheedles the President into setting a deadline for Farley to end his stand. American troops and Idaho militia groups gather on both sides of the border to prepare for battle. At the same time, minority riots begin occurring nationwide. National Guardsmen from surrounding states join Farley's army and the Pakistani children are turned away. With tensions at a boil, a misunderstanding about a pending announcement from Farley leads Buchan to advise the President to take action; the fighting begins. Later, Farley reveals that he has decided to step down from office to be with Fernandez, ending the conflict only after many lives were lost.