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Miami Herald
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
US Migrant Reality Show Would Not Be Like ‘Hunger Games,' Producer Says
The mastermind behind a reality TV show in which immigrants compete for a chance to fast-track their path to U.S. citizenship has rejected comparisons to the Hunger Games. Producer Rob Worsoff told NewsNation that the intention is not to create a situation resembling the "Hunger Games for migrants." President Donald Trump's administration has effectively shut down asylum as it looks to remove millions of migrants without legal status as part of a hardline mass deportation policy. If the TV show proceeds, it would be one of the two new methods to obtain a U.S. citizenship under the administration. Trump floated the idea of a "gold card" visa that cost $5 million to replace the EB-5 visa and fast track immigration into the U.S. Trump rose to national prominence through his role as the host of the reality television show The Apprentice, which aired for 14 seasons and helped establish his public image before his entry into politics. A proposed new show, along with Amazon's reported $40 million licensing agreement for a documentary about first lady Melania Trump, suggests that media companies continue to explore opportunities to engage with figures in the Trump administration. Worsoff said that the series will be a "celebration of America in the most positive possible way." He said contestants would already be part of the immigration system, but the competition would simply determine who receives expedited processing. "All I'm offering is to jump to the front of the line," he said. Worsoff is best known for his work as a producer on the A&E reality series Duck Dynasty. Worsoff said that he presented the concept to the Obama, Biden and Trump administrations, all of which expressed interest, though the project was never implemented. The show is expected to open with 12 preselected contestants arriving at Ellis Island aboard The Citizen Ship, where they are welcomed by a celebrity host and presented with a personalized baseball glove. From there, the contestants travel the country by train, stopping in different regions to compete in challenges based on classic American experiences, such as log balancing in Wisconsin, rocket building in Cape Canaveral, or working on a car assembly line in Detroit. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officials may assist in vote tallying. As the competition progresses, eliminated contestants would receive American-style consolation prizes like a million airline miles, a $10,000 Starbucks card or free gas for life. While no specific brands are officially attached to the project, Worsoff believes the show has broad commercial appeal and strong potential for corporate sponsorship. Worsoff told NewsNation that the show would be produced "respectfully and safely." Democratic Texas Representative Joaquin Castro criticized the idea during a May 17 appearance on MSNBC, calling the show's premise "a sick idea." Producer Rob Worsoff told NewsNation: "We're going to put a face to all these people who are on this journey and want nothing more than to be a part of this country, and we're going to humanize them, and we're going to celebrate them." Homeland Security AssistantSecretary Tricia McLaughlin told Newsweek: "The reporting by the Daily Mail is completely false, and an affront to respectable journalism. Secretary Noem has not 'backed' or even reviewed the pitch of any scripted or reality show. The Department of Homeland Security 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. If the excuse for a reporter at the Daily Mail had even thought to ask, he would have learned the show in question is in the very beginning stages of that vetting process and has not received approval or denial by staff." Democratic Texas Representative Joaquin Castro told MSNBC: "The idea that you would do a reality show and have people compete for citizenship, it's just sick, a sick idea." It is unlikely that the show will be picked up by a major network or streaming platform because of widespread criticism and ethical concerns surrounding the concept. Related Articles Who Won 'American Idol' 2025? Celebrities React to WinnerWhat Time Is the 'American Idol' 2025 Finale Tonight? Who Is in the Top 3?'Summer House' Star Imrul Hassan Opens Up About Being UndocumentedDHS Exploring Reality TV Show Where Migrants Compete For Citizenship 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
US Migrant Reality Show Would Not Be Like 'Hunger Games,' Producer Says
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The mastermind behind a reality TV show in which immigrants compete for a chance to fast-track their path to U.S. citizenship has rejected comparisons to the Hunger Games. Producer Rob Worsoff told NewsNation that the intention is not to create a situation resembling the "Hunger Games for migrants." Why It Matters President Donald Trump's administration has effectively shut down asylum as it looks to remove millions of migrants without legal status as part of a hardline mass deportation policy. If the TV show proceeds, it would be one of the two new methods to obtain a U.S. citizenship under the administration. Trump floated the idea of a "gold card" visa that cost $5 million to replace the EB-5 visa and fast track immigration into the U.S. Trump rose to national prominence through his role as the host of the reality television show The Apprentice, which aired for 14 seasons and helped establish his public image before his entry into politics. A proposed new show, along with Amazon's reported $40 million licensing agreement for a documentary about first lady Melania Trump, suggests that media companies continue to explore opportunities to engage with figures in the Trump administration. Migrants who were deported from the U.S. to Mexico wave as they are transported to a shelter, as they cross the El Chaparral pedestrian border bridge in Tijuana, Mexico, on January 21, 2025. Migrants who were deported from the U.S. to Mexico wave as they are transported to a shelter, as they cross the El Chaparral pedestrian border bridge in Tijuana, Mexico, on January 21, 2025. Felix Marquez/AP Photo What To Know Worsoff said that the series will be a "celebration of America in the most positive possible way." He said contestants would already be part of the immigration system, but the competition would simply determine who receives expedited processing. "All I'm offering is to jump to the front of the line," he said. Worsoff is best known for his work as a producer on the A&E reality series Duck Dynasty. Worsoff said that he presented the concept to the Obama, Biden and Trump administrations, all of which expressed interest, though the project was never implemented. The show is expected to open with 12 preselected contestants arriving at Ellis Island aboard The Citizen Ship, where they are welcomed by a celebrity host and presented with a personalized baseball glove. From there, the contestants travel the country by train, stopping in different regions to compete in challenges based on classic American experiences, such as log balancing in Wisconsin, rocket building in Cape Canaveral, or working on a car assembly line in Detroit. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officials may assist in vote tallying. As the competition progresses, eliminated contestants would receive American-style consolation prizes like a million airline miles, a $10,000 Starbucks card or free gas for life. While no specific brands are officially attached to the project, Worsoff believes the show has broad commercial appeal and strong potential for corporate sponsorship. Worsoff told NewsNation that the show would be produced "respectfully and safely." Democratic Texas Representative Joaquin Castro criticized the idea during a May 17 appearance on MSNBC, calling the show's premise "a sick idea." What People Are Saying Producer Rob Worsoff told NewsNation: "We're going to put a face to all these people who are on this journey and want nothing more than to be a part of this country, and we're going to humanize them, and we're going to celebrate them." Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Newsweek: "The reporting by the Daily Mail is completely false, and an affront to respectable journalism. Secretary Noem has not 'backed' or even reviewed the pitch of any scripted or reality show. The Department of Homeland Security 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. If the excuse for a reporter at the Daily Mail had even thought to ask, he would have learned the show in question is in the very beginning stages of that vetting process and has not received approval or denial by staff." Democratic Texas Representative Joaquin Castro told MSNBC: "The idea that you would do a reality show and have people compete for citizenship, it's just sick, a sick idea." What Happens Next It is unlikely that the show will be picked up by a major network or streaming platform because of widespread criticism and ethical concerns surrounding the concept.
Hindustan Times
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
ICE Barbie Krsiti Noem backs bizarre reality show idea where immigrants compete for US citizenship
Kristi Noem, often dubbed "ICE Barbie" for her approach to her Cabinet role, has stirred controversy once again. Known for treating her position like a TV production, the Homeland Security Secretary is now advocating for a reality show concept that would feature immigrants competing "for the honour of fast-tracking their way to U.S. citizenship. Also Read: Prison break: 11 'dangerous' inmates escape from Orleans Justice Center, jail on lockdown While it may sound like a joke to many, it is on the cusp of turning into reality. According to the Daily Mail, the idea has been outlined in a 35-page program pitch and is being coordinated with the DHS secretary. Moreover, Noem is also offering the officials from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to tally up the votes for the contest, which is designed for TV. The concept for the reality show, titled The American, comes from Rob Worsoff, a writer and producer known for Duck Dynasty and Millionaire Matchmaker. The show would feature contestants travelling across the U.S. on a train, participating in region-specific cultural challenges, like log rolling in Wisconsin. The finale would culminate with the winner being sworn in as a U.S. citizen on the steps of the Capitol. His pitch read, 'Along the way, we will be reminded what it means to be American – through the eyes of the people who want it most.' The writer and producer who was born in Canada, said , 'I'm not affiliated with any political ideology. As an immigrant myself, I am merely trying to make a show that celebrates the immigration process, celebrate what it means to be American and have a national conversation about what it means to be American, through the eyes of the people who want it most.' Tricia McLaughlin, spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, confirmed that agency staff are reviewing the reality show pitch and recently held a call with the producer. While she stated that Noem has not yet been formally briefed, reported that she supports the idea and is eager to move forward with the project. In addition, the sources revealed to the media outlet that she has been working to get a green signal from Netflix or any other streaming giant; however, so far her efforts have fallen flat. Also Read: Trump says Taylor Swift is 'no longer hot' since his 'hate' comment against her According to Worsoff's pitch, the show would begin with pre-vetted contestants from diverse countries arriving at Ellis Island aboard a vessel called The Citizen Ship—a symbolic nod to starting a new chapter in their pursuit of American citizenship. They will be welcomed by a host who is 'a famous, naturalised American who was also born in another country.' The suggestions for this job, according to the pitch, include Colombian-born Sofia Vergara, Canadian Ryan Reynolds and Mila Kunis, who hails from Ukraine. The host will welcome them with a gift, a personalised baseball glove. As the show progresses, contestants would travel across the U.S., meeting "interesting Americans" and exploring the unique history and culture of each region. The pitch read, 'We'll join in the laughter, tears, frustration, and joy – hearing their backstories – as we are reminded how amazing it is to be American, through the eyes of 12 wonderful people who want nothing more than to have what we have.' Divided into teams, they'd compete in challenges like gold mining in San Francisco, rocket launching in Cape Canaveral, and log rolling in Hayward, Wisconsin—all while viewers get to know their personal stories and motivations for seeking American citizenship. The show would also feature 'elimination challenges,' with contestants split into teams to complete tasks like rafting down the Arkansas River in Colorado, clam digging in Maine, assembling a 1914 Model T Ford in Detroit, and delivering mail by horseback and ferry from Missouri to Kansas. While only one contestant will be crowned 'our newest fellow American!', Worsoff emphasizes that all participants will have been pre-screened for citizenship and will benefit from an advantage in the traditional application process. Game prizes include 'iconically American' rewards like 1 million American Airlines points, a $10,000 Starbucks gift card, or a lifetime supply of 76 gasoline. The series would end with a dramatic live finale as the train pulls into Washington, D.C., where the winner walks to Capitol Hill to be sworn in. 'There won't be a dry eye within 10 miles!' reads Worsoff's pitch.
Int'l Business Times
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Int'l Business Times
Immigrants Could Compete for Citizenship in DHS-Approved Reality Show, Complete With 'American' Prizes
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is reportedly backing a reality TV competition where pre-vetted immigrants would compete in themed challenges for the chance to fast-track U.S. citizenship and win "American" prizes. Noem, dubbed "ICE Barbie" by detractors, has faced mounting criticism since taking over DHS in January 2025 for prioritizing photo ops and dramatized field visits over policy execution, the Daily Mail reported. In light of this, Noem has reportedly aligned herself with a proposal that would gamify immigration through reality television. The 35-page pitch obtained by the outlet, titled "The American," was created by reality producer Rob Worsoff, known for "Duck Dynasty," would convey "what it means to become an American." The pitch is under review by DHS. Contestants, including pre-screened immigrants from various countries, would travel across the U.S. aboard a train dubbed "The Citizen Ship," competing in challenges like building rockets in Florida, assembling Model T Fords in Detroit or balancing on logs in Wisconsin. The winner would be sworn in on Capitol Hill during a live finale, while also being awarded "iconically American" prizes, such as a lifetime supply of gasoline or thousands of dollars in Starbucks gift cards. Runners-up would still receive expedited consideration for traditional citizenship. A DHS spokesperson publicly confirmed the idea is under consideration. Meanwhile, sources told the Mail that Noem supports it. The pitch has sparked concern from experts about the optics of reducing citizenship to reality TV. Originally published on Latin Times
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
ICE Barbie Kristi Noem Wants to Turn Immigration Into Sick Game Show
The Department of Homeland Security is considering a barbaric pitch for a television show where immigrants compete for U.S. citizenship. The Daily Mail reported Thursday that it had obtained a 35-page program pitch for a show called The American, created by writer and producer Rob Worsoff of Duck Dynasty. The structure of the show reportedly involves immigrants arriving at Ellis Island aboard 'The Citizen Ship' before travelling from state to state aboard a train called 'The American,' learning about the United States and participating in competitions themed around the different regions of the U.S. Scores would be rendered by U.S. immigration officials, and losers would be sent home with patently American prizes, such as a Starbucks gift card. 'We'll join in the laughter, tears, frustration, and joy—hearing their backstories—as we are reminded how amazing it is to be American,' the pitch stated. Nothing could possibly devalue U.S. citizenship more. Although the Daily Mail reported sources had indicated that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem supported the project, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin denied Noem's involvement in the show. In a post on X Thursday, McLaughlin wrote that the reporting was 'completely false' and an 'affront to journalism.' 'Secretary Noem has not 'backed' or even aware of the pitch of any scripted or reality show,' she said. McLaughlin said that DHS received hundreds of pitches for television shows a year. 'This pitch has not received approval or denial by staff,' she wrote. Noem's no stranger to made-for-television propaganda stunts. The former governor of South Dakota was excoriated earlier this week for playing 'dress-up' while deporting U.S. citizens and documented immigrants. In March, she posed with a fresh blow out in front of massive cells of prisoners at CECOT, the notorious prison in El Salvador where Donald Trump had exiled 238 Venezuelan immigrants the government alleged were gang members. On Wednesday, Noem refused to even look at a photo of one of the men remanded there.
