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The Department of Homeland Security is reportedly reviewing a pitch for a reality TV show in which immigrants compete for the chance to fast-track their path to U.S. citizenship.
Newsweek contacted DHS for comment via email outside of normal office hours on Friday.
Why It Matters
President Donald Trump's administration has shut down asylum as it looks to remove millions of migrants without legal status as part of a mass deportation policy. If the plan proceeds, it would be one of the two new methods to obtain a U.S. citizenship under the administration.
Trump himself used reality TV to shoot to national fame and pave his way to the White House after starring in reality show The Apprentice for 14 seasons from 2004. This proposed new show, along with Amazon's $40m licensing deal to distribute a documentary on First Lady Melania Trump, suggest TV producers and networks are looking for ways to work with the Trump administration.
What To Know
DHS is reportedly collaborating with writer and producer Rob Worsoff to develop the show called The American, in which immigrants take part in a series of challenges across the country for a shot at U.S. citizenship, the Daily Mail reports.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin acknowledged the pitch's existence, the newspaper reported, addding "I think it's a good idea."
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem is supporting the proposal, however the DHS said that was "completely false" and Noem is unaware of the pitch.
According to the Daily Mail, which reviewed Worsoff's 35-page program proposal, the Canadian-born producer hopes to spark a nationwide dialogue on American identity by showcasing the perspectives of those who aspire to become citizens. Worsoff is most recognized for his role as a producer on the A&E reality show Duck Dynasty.
"Along the way, we will be reminded what it means to be American – through the eyes of the people who want it most," reads the pitch.
The show reportedly opens with 12 pre-selected contestants arriving at Ellis Island aboard "The Citizen Ship," greeted by a celebrity host—ideally a naturalized American like Sofia Vergara or Ryan Reynolds—and a personalized baseball glove. Contestants then travel the country by train, competing in region-themed challenges, from log balancing in Wisconsin to rocket building in Cape Canaveral. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officials may be involved in vote tallying.
As the competition advances, eliminated contestants would receive over-the-top "American" consolation prizes—like a million airline miles, a $10,000 Starbucks card, or free gas for life—though no brands are officially linked to the project. Worsoff claims the show has major commercial appeal and strong potential for corporate sponsorship, according to the Daily Mail
What People Are Saying
Richard Hanania The Center for the Study of Partisanship and Ideology (CSPI), said in a post on X: "I thought this couldn't be real. But Daily Mail has the memo and pitch deck."
Tricia McLaughlin said in a post on X: "This is completely false. @DailyMail's "reporting" is an affront to journalism. Secretary Noem has not "backed" or even aware of the pitch of any scripted or reality show.
@DHSgovreceives hundreds of television show pitches a year, ranging from documentaries surrounding ICE and CBP border operation to white collar investigations by HSI. Each proposal undergoes a thorough vetting process prior to denial or approval. This pitch has not received approval or denial by staff."
What Happens Next
The concept still requires funding and a platform for distribution, such as a network or streaming service, before it can get greenlit.
About the writer
Billal Rahman is an immigration reporter based in London, U.K. He specializes in immigration policy and border security. He has ... Read more