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Express Tribune
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
How possible is it to win your way to a green card?
If you've ever watched The Amazing Race and thought, "What if the prize was US citizenship?" well, someone's already a step ahead of you. Enter The American, a not-yet-greenlit reality TV concept pitched by producer Rob Worsoff, who has worked on cultural powerhouses such as Duck Dynasty and The Millionaire Matchmaker. The show's premise centres around immigrants competing in challenges across the United States, trivia contests and all, for the ultimate prize: becoming an American citizen. According to the Daily Mail, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was somehow in on it, or at least giving it a polite, bureaucratic nod. But the DHS quickly jumped into damage control mode, issuing a firm (and rather theatrical) rebuttal titled "Fake News Friday," in which it accused the tabloid of running wild with a "media hoax." The agency insisted Secretary Kristi Noem hadn't "backed" any such project and, in fact, had no idea it even existed. That's when things got murky. Because while the DHS is very clear that Noem isn't signing off on The American anytime soon, they aren't denying that the pitch was, in fact, received. And that's where this story takes a deliciously absurd turn. On being American Worsoff himself confirmed to The New York Times that The American is a real pitch. And he's not shying away from its patriotic glitz. "We need a national conversation of what it means to be American," he told NYT, highlighting how the show would spotlight immigrant stories, journeys, and dreams. "We're putting a face to these people and celebrating them as humans." So, yes, it's part game show, part civic lovefest, part high-stakes Survivor. While only the winner gets citizenship, Worsoff has made it clear that no one would be penalised or deported for losing. It's a competition without cruelty, he promises. Still, the idea of gamifying citizenship, something that many immigrants spend years, even decades, pursuing through paperwork and legal limbo, isn't sitting well with everyone. Critics have raised concerns about turning a deeply personal and often painful journey into prime-time entertainment. Is it celebration, or is it exploitation? What's even more eyebrow-raising is the DHS's two-tone messaging. Publicly, they blasted the Daily Mail's report as "an affront to journalism," but in the NYT story, assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin seemed to soften a bit. "The pitch generally was a celebration of being an American and what a privilege it is," she said. "It's important to revive civic duty." Not exactly a glowing endorsement, but not a total shutdown either. So, where does this leave us? The DHS says it gets "hundreds of television show pitches" every year. Most don't make it past the idea stage. But The American clearly made enough noise to spark a national headline war, a departmental press release, and a whole lot of speculation. The idea of The American isn't entirely without precedent. Reality television has long flirted with themes of national identity, competition, and transformation. Shows like Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and America's Got Talent frame personal struggle and aspiration within an entertainment lens. But no reality show has yet offered US citizenship as a tangible prize, an idea that raises thorny legal questions. For one, naturalisation is a highly regulated federal process, governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The law requires applicants to meet stringent requirements, including lawful permanent residency, English language proficiency, and passing a civics exam; not exactly reality-show material.
Economic Times
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
The Immigration Games? DHS weighs wild new reality show concept where migrants compete for US citizenship
The US Department of Homeland Security is considering a reality show concept. In this show, migrants will compete in challenges for a chance to win US citizenship. The show, titled 'The American', involves contestants traveling across the country. They will participate in region-specific cultural tasks. The winner may get sworn in as a citizen at the Capitol. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reviewing a pitch for a reality television show in which migrants would compete for US citizenship through televised challenges. According to a Wall Street Journal report, while the proposal has sparked comparisons to dystopian fiction and prompted backlash on social media, DHS officials confirmed that the idea is undergoing a preliminary concept, titled The American, was developed by Canadian-born writer and producer Rob Worsoff, who has worked on shows such as The Millionaire Matchmaker, Dating Naked, and Duck Dynasty. According to The Daily Mail, the proposal outlines a competitive format where 12 pre-vetted immigrants travel across the country, undertaking region-specific cultural challenges in a bid to fast-track their path to show begins on Ellis Island, with contestants arriving on a ship named 'The Citizen Ship.' Each participant would receive a baseball glove from a 'famous, naturalized American,' with names floated including Sofia Vergara, Ryan Reynolds, and Mila Kunis. None of them is formally attached to the there, the contestants would board a train called 'The American' and compete in challenges such as collecting gold in San Francisco, rafting in Colorado, log-balancing in Wisconsin, rocket launching in Florida, clam-digging in Maine, assembling a Model T in Detroit, and delivering mail on horseback in Kansas.'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 states, as quoted by The Daily spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin confirmed to The Daily Beast that the department is reviewing the proposal but rejected claims that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem supports or is even aware of the added that DHS receives hundreds of show pitches annually, ranging from border operation documentaries to white-collar crime programs. 'Each proposal undergoes a thorough vetting process prior to denial or approval. This pitch has not received approval or denial by staff,' she show's finale reportedly involves the winner being sworn in as a US citizen on the steps of the Capitol by 'a top American politician or judge' as the US Air Force Thunderbirds fly overhead. Contestants who lose would receive 'iconically American' prizes such as a million American Airlines points, a $10,000 Starbucks gift card, or a lifetime supply of 76 gasoline—though no companies are currently linked to the Noem's approach at DHS has been marked by an emphasis on publicity, including a $200 million ad campaign urging undocumented immigrants to return home. Her recent visit to a high-security prison in El Salvador, where she posed before inmates wearing a $50,000 Rolex, further drew media attention and has argued in the pitch that the show could attract major sponsorship deals and broad commercial success. However, the project still requires financial backing and a distribution of now, there is no confirmation on whether the show will proceed.
Time Magazine
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Time Magazine
Is the Department of Homeland Security Considering a Reality Show Where Immigrants Compete for U.S. Citizenship?
A producer behind reality shows like The Millionaire Matchmaker, Duck Dynasty, and Alpha Dogs has pitched a new reality show idea to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—one in which immigrants compete for U.S. citizenship. 'I'm putting a face to immigration. This is a great celebration of America,' Rob Worsoff told CNN in an interview that aired on Friday, May 16, noting that he himself is an immigrant from Canada. Worsoff says that he also pitched this reality show during both previous Democrat Administrations. In an emailed statement to TIME on Saturday, Tricia McLaughlin, the assistant secretary who oversees the DHS' public outreach, said: 'DHS receives hundreds of television show pitches a year, ranging from documentaries surrounding ICE and CBP border operations to white collar investigations by HSI,' adding that each of these proposals goes through a vetting process. 'We need to revive patriotism and civic duty in this country, and we're happy to review out-of-the-box pitches. This pitch has not received approval or rejection by staff,' she said. McLaughlin also denied, as she had on Friday via social media, that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem was backing the show in any way, and said that Noem is 'not even aware of the pitch.' Meanwhile, Worsoff claimed during his CNN interview that the DHS appears to be 'seriously considering' the show—which he said would include a series of elimination challenges across America. Examples he gave of such challenges included a 'pizza-making challenge' in New York, a 'rocket-launching challenge' in Florida, and a 'gold rush challenge' in California. Per his vision, each episode would culminate in a town hall-esque style vote, one he said is akin to a 'presidential election.' 'The people of Tennessee, let's say, will get to vote on which one of our future Americans they would most like to represent the state of Tennessee,' Worsoff offered as an example. Then, a winner would be granted citizenship. The pitch comes at a time when President Donald Trump and his Administration have launched a crackdown on U.S. immigration—embroiling themselves in legal battles to end birthright citizenship, upping mass deportation goals, and overhauling asylum access. On Friday, the Supreme Court barred the Trump Administration from using the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged gang members to prisons in El Salvador. The Trump Administration had previously been utilizing the act to expedite deportations of Venezuelan nationals alleged to be in the Tren de Aragua gang, though the court argued that Trump only gave these migrants 24 hours to receive legal advice, and that they were 'devoid of information about how to exercise due process rights to contest that removal.' The ruling extends the court's April emergency order barring Trump from using the wartime law to deport migrants held in a detention facility in Texas. The stakes are high, Worsoff recognized in his interview, but he argued that his reality show idea is 'not The Hunger Games.' 'It's not some mean spirited thing that's trying to deport people; it's exactly the opposite of that,' he said. 'I'm very fortunate and lucky and honored to be an American. And I want everybody to understand the process.'
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Business Standard
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Compete to be American! US eyes reality show for immigrant citizenship
In what sounds like a plot straight out of a television drama, the United States (US) may soon have a reality show where immigrants compete in patriotic and cultural challenges for the ultimate prize: American citizenship. The concept, titled 'The American', is being reviewed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as part of a broader push for 'creative outreach' on immigration. The show's format draws strong parallels with reality hits like Big Boss, with contestants living together and competing across a series of tasks meant to reflect American values, traditions, and history. The pitch has gained traction within the Trump administration, which has embraced unconventional methods to highlight its immigration agenda. A DHS spokesperson confirmed that such 'out-of-the-box pitches,' especially those that celebrate what it means to be an American,' remain a priority. The idea The show was pitched by Rob Worsoff, a seasoned reality TV producer known for shows like Duck Dynasty and The Millionaire Matchmaker. A Canadian immigrant himself, Worsoff said the idea came to him while he was going through the naturalisation process in the US. 'It's not mean-spirited. Instead, 'The American' is a celebration of what it means to be American... at a time when our morale is at an all-time low,' Worsoff wrote on Facebook. The proposed format would see immigrant contestants travel across the United States, participating in 'stereotypically American' challenges. These include collecting gold from a mine in San Francisco, assembling a Model T in Detroit, delivering mail on horseback in Kansas, and even assembling a rocket. Other segments would test civic knowledge through trivia and tasks based on American customs. 'We need to be reminded of how proud and how much of an honour it is to be American,' Worsoff told CNN. He also stressed that contestants who don't win should not be penalised. What the Homeland Security says According to Tricia McLaughlin, spokesperson for the DHS, the idea is currently under review by Kristi Noem, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. 'It's important to revive civic duty,' McLaughlin told The New York Times, describing the potential series as a 'celebration of being an American.' Trump's immigration crackdown This development comes amid a strict immigration crackdown under US President Donald Trump's second term, during which over 271,000 individuals have been deported—the highest number in nearly a decade. Earlier this month, the administration launched a controversial self-deportation programme, offering undocumented migrants free flight tickets and $1,000 in cash to leave the US voluntarily. However, Trump has softened his tone in some instances, saying that 'good' individuals could be allowed back through legal routes. 'Good people will be taken back legally,' he recently said, positioning the move as part of a merit-based immigration policy. Trump's administration has also previously shown interest in media-driven immigration narratives. In 2017, he granted access to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations for a documentary series titled Immigration Nation.
Canada Standard
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Canada Standard
US Department of Homeland Security reviewing reality TV show for immigrants: Report
Washington, DC [US], May 17 (ANI): The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reviewing a reality TV show in which immigrants compete to get American citizenship, CNN reported, citing a statement from a spokesperson. The spokesperson said, 'The show in question is in the very beginning stages of that vetting process and has not received approval or denial by staff.' A producer who presented the idea to DHS said he envisions the show as a 'positive love letter to America' while rejecting criticism that it would be 'punching down' on contestants. Rob Worsoff, himself a Canadian immigrant whose work includes 'The Millionaire Matchmaker,' 'Duck Dynasty', and 'The Biggest Loser,' said he's presented the idea for his show as far back as the Obama Administration. Worsoff said he had held three conversations with the current DHS regarding his idea -- 'and they've gone far' -- but said Secretary Kristi Noem had not been involved in any of the discussions. Speaking to CNN on Friday, he said, 'I don't now where they stand exactly now, but I feel like we're trending in a good way.' Speaking to CNN, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said that DHS '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.' Worsoff said he intends to have a show like 'The Biggest Loser' for immigration, referencing the former reality show in which overweight contestants competed to see who would lose the most weight and which also faced criticism over its content. However, he said, 'there's nobody who loses on this show -- it's ridiculous to even suggest otherwise.' He said, 'These are all people who are likely to become future Americans.' He stated, 'They are all people with a place in line. They are all people that are good candidates. I'm not punching down on anyone -- I am offering somebody the opportunity to jump to the front of the line and nobody else loses. In fact, everybody else in line will be humanized and we'll get to know their face and their story and we'll love them and maybe they'll get a job out of it, or maybe they'll get other opportunities out of it.' He even showed CNN portions of a pitch deck for the show, which had the working title 'The American.' According to the description of the pitch for a show, contestants will represent a demographic of ages, ethnicities, and talents. The description of the pitch for a show further reads, 'We'll join in the laughter, tears, frustration and joy -- hearing their backstories -- as we are reminded of how amazing it is to be American, through the eyes of 12 wonderful people who want nothing more than to have what we have -- and what we often take for granted: the freedom, opportunity and honor of what it means to be American.' According to the deck, each episode would include an elimination challenge, a heritage challenge, a town hall meeting, and a final vote. Worsoff said the participants will compete for the heritage challenge in specific locations like a 'gold rush' challenge in San Francisco, a 'pizza' challenge in New York, or a 'NASA' challenge in Florida to show 'how cool America is.' Speaking to Collins on 'The Source', Worsoff said he plans to end each episode with a town-hall meeting, 'just like in a presidential election.' He said, 'The people of Tennessee, let's say, will get to vote on which one of our future Americans they would most like to represent the state of Tennessee.' Previously, he admitted that the stakes would be high for the contestants, but added that it's not a bad thing. Speaking to CNN, he said, 'I would hope that any competition reality show has stakes.' Worsoff said, 'Yeah, I'm not going to apologize for that fact that there are real stakes on the show. I don't think that's a bad thing, I think that's a good thing.' (ANI)
