DHS considers reality show where immigrants compete for US citizenship
FILE-Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, accompanied by Minister of Justice and Public Security Héctor Gustavo Villatoro, (R), tours the Terrorist Confinement Center (CECOT) on March 26, 2025 in Tecoluca, El Salvador. (Photo by Ale
A new reality television show centered on immigrants competing for potential citizenship in the United States is reportedly being considered by the Department of Homeland Security.
Who is pitching the reality show?
Dig deeper:
Writer and producer Rob Worsoff is reportedly working with the Department of Homeland Security to pitch the reality show titled "The American," where immigrants will compete in different challenges nationwide to gain U.S. citizenship.
Worsoff, who is known for producing the A&E hit reality show "Duck Dynasty," wants "The American" to start a national conversation about what it means to be an American "through the eyes of people who want it most," The Daily Mail reported citing a copy of Worsoff’s TV series pitch.
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The Daily Beast reported that the reality show would feature 12 contestants going to Ellis Island in New York City aboard a ship. The contestants would then travel from state to state on a train called "The American" to learn about each area’s history and culture and compete in different themed contests.
Contestants eliminated will receive a parting gift that reportedly includes a million American Airlines points, a $10,000 Starbucks gift card, and lifetime supply of 76 gasoline, the Independent reported.
Meanwhile, the winner of the show is sworn in as an American citizen on the steps of the U.S. Capitol building.
Department of Homeland Security responds to reality TV show report
What they're saying:
Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin shared with The Daily Beast that the reality show’s concept is being investigated by agency staff, but denied that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is involved in the process.
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McLaughlin also responded on X to reports that Noem supports the idea writing: "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."
She added: "@DHSgov receives 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."
The Source: Information for this story was provided by the Wall Street Journal, The Independent, and The Daily Beast. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.