Homeland Security Reviews Immigrant Citizenship Reality Show Proposal

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is considering a reality TV show called "The American," where immigrant contestants would compete in challenges designed to test their knowledge and skills to win American citizenship. The show, pitched by reality producer Rob Worsoff, would feature legal immigrants competing in regionally themed tasks, such as assembling a Model T car chassis or a gold rush challenge, with one contestant eliminated each episode until a winner is sworn in as a U.S. citizen. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin emphasized that the proposal is in the very early vetting stages and has not been approved or denied, clarifying that Secretary Kristi Noem has neither reviewed nor endorsed the concept. Worsoff stressed the show is not dystopian and that losing contestants would not face deportation, aiming instead to revive patriotism and civic duty. The idea has generated mixed reactions online, with some expressing concern over the concept's implications, especially given the Trump administration's history with immigration enforcement. The DHS receives numerous television show pitches annually, and this proposal is undergoing the agency’s standard review process.