Washington, D.C., May 17, 2025 — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reviewing a proposal for a reality television show in which immigrants would compete for American citizenship, the agency confirmed Friday.
In a statement, DHS said the idea “has not received approval or rejection by staff,” and that all such pitches “undergo a thorough vetting process prior to denial or approval.”
“We need to revive patriotism and civic duty in this country, and we’re happy to review out-of-the-box pitches,” said Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the concept was pitched by Canadian-American producer Rob Worsoff. The show would feature one-hour episodes where contestants face off in challenges designed to demonstrate their “Americanness,” such as mining for gold or assembling a Model T car.
The proposed series would begin with contestants arriving at Ellis Island — historically the entry point for millions of immigrants — and would see one participant eliminated per episode. Despite its competitive format, Worsoff stressed that the show would not involve forced deportations. “This isn’t The Hunger Games for immigrants,” he told the Journal.
The idea comes amid heightened immigration enforcement under former President Donald Trump, whose administration moved to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for several groups of immigrants. TPS allows foreign nationals to remain in the U.S. if returning home would place them at risk due to war, natural disasters, or other crises.
Since Trump took office, DHS has revoked or attempted to revoke TPS for individuals from countries including Afghanistan, Haiti, and Venezuela, as part of a broader crackdown that includes raids, arrests, and deportations.
While the reality show remains under consideration, it has already sparked debate over the intersection of entertainment, immigration policy, and national identity.
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