DHS Explores Controversial Reality Show Concept Where Immigrants Compete for U.S. Citizenship

Washington, D.C. – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reportedly reviewing a provocative pitch for a reality television show titled The American, which would feature immigrants competing in a series of challenges across the United States for a chance to fast-track their path to U.S. citizenship. The proposal, spearheaded by Canadian-born producer Rob Worsoff, known for his work on A&E’s Duck Dynasty, has sparked debate over its optics and alignment with DHS priorities under the Trump administration.

According to a detailed 35-page pitch obtained by The Daily Mail, the show would involve pre-vetted contestants arriving at Ellis Island aboard a symbolic vessel dubbed “The Citizen Ship.” From there, they would travel on a train called The American, participating in regionally themed challenges—such as log-rolling in Wisconsin or building a rocket at Florida’s Cape Canaveral—to showcase their understanding of American culture and history. The winner would be sworn in as a U.S. citizen on the steps of the Capitol, potentially by a prominent politician or judge, while eliminated contestants would receive consolation prizes like a million American Airlines points or a $10,000 Starbucks gift card and continue pursuing citizenship through traditional means.

Worsoff, who describes himself as apolitical, insists the show aims to “celebrate the immigration process” and spark a “national conversation about what it means to be American, through the eyes of the people who want it most.” The pitch suggests high-profile naturalized Americans, such as Sofia Vergara, Ryan Reynolds, or Mila Kunis, as potential hosts to add star power. It also highlights the show’s commercial potential, citing opportunities for corporate sponsorship.

However, the proposal has met with skepticism and criticism. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told HuffPost that the show is in the “very beginning stages” of vetting and has neither been approved nor denied. McLaughlin firmly denied claims that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is involved, calling such reports “completely false” and stating that Noem has not reviewed the pitch. This contradicts The Daily Mail’s sources, which allege Noem supports the project and has been working for weeks to secure a deal with streaming platforms like Netflix.

Critics within DHS have raised concerns about the optics of turning the immigration process into a game show, especially amid the administration’s focus on mass deportation policies. One unnamed source told The Daily Mail, “The focus on self-promotion is undermining our ability to deliver on President Trump’s deportation mandate. We need leadership committed to logistics and results, not… reality show theatrics.” The controversy is compounded by Noem’s public image, with critics like Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) mocking her for “costume changes” and “photo ops” during ICE raids, earning her the nickname “ICE Barbie.”

The proposal comes at a time when DHS has shifted priorities under Trump’s second term. In April 2025, the department canceled a $22 million grant program supporting legal immigrants’ citizenship applications, citing misalignment with goals to curb illegal immigration. This juxtaposition has fueled accusations that the reality show trivializes a serious process.

Public reaction on platforms like X reflects outrage and disbelief, with users comparing the concept to dystopian narratives like The Hunger Games. One post called it “absurd & disgusting,” while another labeled it “mentally sick.” However, these sentiments remain unverified and reflect individual opinions rather than consensus.

As of now, DHS has not confirmed whether the pitch will advance. McLaughlin noted that the department receives “hundreds of television show pitches a year,” and this one awaits a thorough review. Whether The American will materialize or fade as a fleeting controversy remains uncertain, but its mere consideration has already ignited a firestorm of debate over immigration, spectacle, and governance.

Sources: The Daily Mail, HuffPost, The Daily Beast, The Independent, Newsweek

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