WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reviewing a proposal for a reality TV show in which immigrants would compete for the chance to earn U.S. citizenship, a spokesperson confirmed this week.
The show, tentatively titled The American, was pitched by Canadian-American producer Rob Worsoff, known for unscripted series like Duck Dynasty and Dating Naked. Worsoff described the concept as a celebration of the immigrant experience, with contestants facing elimination-style challenges inspired by U.S. history and culture—such as pizza-making in New York or a Gold Rush-themed task in California.
Competition Format and Public Involvement
Each episode would culminate in a town-hall vote where local residents select a winner. The finale would feature the champion being sworn in as a citizen.
“This show would humanize people on that journey,” Worsoff told CNN. “We’re going to cheer for them.”
DHS: Routine Review, No Decision Yet
DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin confirmed the pitch is under internal review but stressed it follows standard protocol for media proposals.
“The pitch celebrates American citizenship as a privilege,” McLaughlin said in a statement to The New York Times, noting that DHS evaluates hundreds of ideas annually, from documentaries to dramatized content. She clarified that Secretary Kristi Noem was unaware of the proposal and is not involved in its assessment.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
While Worsoff insists participation would be voluntary and separate from contestants’ existing immigration cases, legal experts question whether citizenship can—or should—be decided through a televised competition.
The producer first pitched the concept in 2012 but has yet to secure approval. The current review marks the first time the idea has garnered significant public attention.
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