Immigration Reality Show?

May 17th, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is currently reviewing a proposal for a reality television show titled The American, in which immigrants would participate in challenges for a chance to fast-track their U.S. citizenship. The concept, pitched by Canadian-born producer Rob Worsoff—known for his work on Duck Dynasty and The Millionaire Matchmaker—has sparked significant public debate.

According to Worsoff, the show would feature twelve immigrant contestants traveling across the United States on a train named The American. At each stop, they would engage in tasks emblematic of American culture and history, such as assembling a Model T in Detroit or participating in a gold rush-themed challenge in California. The series would culminate with the winner being granted U.S. citizenship in a ceremony at the Capitol.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin confirmed that the proposal is in its preliminary stages and has neither been approved nor rejected. She emphasized that Secretary Kristi Noem has not reviewed the pitch and stated that DHS is open to “out-of-the-box” ideas aimed at reviving patriotism and civic duty.

Critics have raised concerns about the ethical implications of turning the immigration process into a competitive reality show. Immigration attorney Eric Lee questioned the legality of such a concept, stating, “The idea that the Department of Homeland Security could set up some show with some media company to make money off of the plight of these people has absolutely no basis in law whatsoever.”

Worsoff defends the proposal as a celebration of the immigrant journey, asserting that it would humanize participants and foster a national conversation about what it means to be American. He insists that the show is not exploitative and that all participants would be volunteers.

As the DHS continues its evaluation, the proposal has ignited a broader discussion about the intersection of entertainment, immigration policy, and national identity.

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