The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is considering an unprecedented television proposal: a reality show where immigrants compete in challenges inspired by American history and culture, with the grand prize of U.S. citizenship. Dubbed The American, this project has sparked a wave of criticisms and ethical debates, even causing divisions within the government itself.
Turning Immigration into a Spectacle
According to an exclusive report by the British newspaper Daily Mail, the proposal originates from Canadian producer Rob Worsoff, renowned for his work on Duck Dynasty and Millionaire Matchmaker. Worsoff has crafted a format that pits twelve immigrants against each other in cultural and skill-based challenges across the United States, culminating in a citizenship ceremony for the winner in front of the Capitol.
"Along the journey, we'll rediscover what it means to be American, through the eyes of those who desire it the most," Worsoff stated in his presentation of the program. As a Canadian immigrant himself, Worsoff insists that his goal is not political: "As an immigrant, I'm simply trying to create a show that celebrates the immigration process, what it means to be American, and sparks national debate."
Challenges, Competitions, and the Patriotic Finale
The participants, selected after a meticulous screening process, would arrive at Ellis Island aboard the symbolic Citizen Ship, where they would be greeted by a famous host, also a naturalized immigrant. Potential hosts include Sofía Vergara, Ryan Reynolds, and Mila Kunis, although a spokesperson told The Washington Post that Reynolds was never approached about the show.
Throughout the series, contestants would travel the country on a train named The American, facing challenges such as:
- Log rolling in Wisconsin.
- Gold panning in San Francisco.
- Rocket launching at Cape Canaveral.
- Assembling a Ford Model T in Detroit.
- Delivering mail on horseback between Missouri and Kansas.
Additional elements include "elimination challenges," public assemblies, and voting sessions. The winner's rewards include U.S. citizenship, a million miles with American Airlines, a $10,000 Starbucks card, or free gasoline for life. "We'll share in their laughter, tears, frustration, and joy, listening to their stories, while remembering how wonderful it is to be American," the proposal, obtained by Daily Mail, highlights.
Official Support or Media Manipulation?
Although DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated that the proposal is under review and that Secretary Kristi Noem has not been briefed, the Daily Mail claims Noem supports the project and is actively seeking platforms like Netflix or cable networks to air the show. "I think it's a good idea," McLaughlin told the British outlet.
However, in a statement to EFE, McLaughlin denied any official endorsement: "This is completely false [...] Noem has not supported nor is aware of any reality show proposal." She also clarified that DHS receives "hundreds of TV proposals annually" and all undergo a "rigorous selection process." For now, Worsoff's project "has neither been approved nor rejected," she said.
Internal Criticism and Ethical Concerns
The potential transformation of immigration into a televised spectacle has triggered strong reactions. "When will Secretary Noem stop prioritizing staged photo ops and media gimmicks?" an internal source questioned in the Daily Mail. Some officials argue that "the focus on self-promotion is undermining DHS's ability to fulfill President Trump's deportation mandate."
Even within DHS, there are fears that the reality show could trivialize the immigrant experience: "The plight of immigrants should not become a contest," an anonymous source told the British outlet. The Washington Post echoed these concerns, citing officials who fear a "Hunger Games-like" narrative.
In defense of the format, Worsoff told the Wall Street Journal: "This is not 'The Hunger Games' for immigrants. This is not: 'If you lose, we ship you out of the country.'"
Kristi Noem's Media History Under Scrutiny
Kristi Noem, aged 53, has faced criticism on multiple occasions for treating her position as a personal branding platform. The Wall Street Journal published a report accusing her of dramatizing her activities as head of DHS, including armed photo sessions, social media posts during ongoing operations, and even decorating offices with images of herself in "action" situations.
On one occasion, she tweeted from a pre-dawn raid, which sources claim alerted targets and reduced the expected number of arrests. "Live this morning from New York. I'm on it," she wrote at 4:43 a.m., attaching a photo wearing an ICE cap.
Political Context: Trump's Era and Immigration Policies
The proposal emerges amidst President Donald Trump's intensified immigration policies, which include promises of mass deportation of undocumented immigrants. The reality show proposal comes at a time when his administration seeks to impose restrictions such as eliminating birthright citizenship.
According to The New York Times, such proposals coincide with a renewed nationalist push and attempts to "revitalize patriotism and civic duty," as McLaughlin stated. Even so, critics argue these measures aim more for spectacle than tangible results.
Still under review, The American is presented as a showcase of the "American dream," yet it also mirrors the ethical and political tensions surrounding immigration in the United States. As the proposal seeks approval, the nation debates whether turning the path to citizenship into a TV spectacle is a tribute or a humiliation.
Questions About The American Reality Show Proposal
What is the main premise of The American reality show?
The American is a proposed reality show where immigrants compete in challenges inspired by U.S. history and culture for the grand prize of U.S. citizenship.
Who is the producer behind The American?
Canadian producer Rob Worsoff, known for his work on Duck Dynasty and Millionaire Matchmaker, is behind the proposal for The American.
What are some of the challenges featured in The American?
Challenges include log rolling in Wisconsin, gold panning in San Francisco, rocket launching at Cape Canaveral, assembling a Ford Model T in Detroit, and delivering mail on horseback between Missouri and Kansas.
What are the potential prizes for the winner of The American?
The winner would receive U.S. citizenship, a million miles with American Airlines, a $10,000 Starbucks card, or free gasoline for life.
Has The American received official approval?
As of now, The American has neither been approved nor rejected by the Department of Homeland Security.