DHS denies involvement in reality show competition for U.S. citizenship
- A reality show concept called 'The American' was pitched, where immigrants can compete for U.S. citizenship.
- DHS denied any involvement and stated that Secretary Kristi Noem has no knowledge of the show's proposals.
- The controversy surrounding the pitch raises questions about the appropriateness of depicting immigration in a competitive show format.
In mid-May 2025, claims emerged regarding a proposed reality television show concept where migrants would compete for U.S. citizenship. The idea was reportedly pitched by Rob Worsoff, a producer known for 'Duck Dynasty,' and involved twelve contestants arriving in New York aboard a vessel referred to as 'The Citizen-Ship.' Each contestant would supposedly face challenges with the potential prize of accelerated citizenship. Concerns about the show's concept were raised when reports indicated that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem was allegedly supportive of the initiative; however, the DHS has formally denied her involvement in the proposal. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin responded to these allegations, asserting that Noem was not aware of the pitch and insisted this was 'completely false.' She clarified that while the pitch has undergone a preliminary vetting process, it has neither been approved nor officially rejected by DHS staff. This uncertainty reflects a broader trend where myriad concept pitches for television shows flood the department annually, suggesting a need for careful scrutiny of proposals connected to sensitive topics such as immigration. Rob Worsoff provided insight into the show's pitch by highlighting its emotional potential, framing it as a way to elicit heartfelt responses from viewers as they follow the eager contestants’ journeys. He noted that the finale would be an emotionally charged event with a winner being sworn in at the U.S. Capitol, further sensationalizing the theme of becoming American through struggles and triumphs. Amidst the controversy is the critique surrounding the appropriateness of such a show format involving serious issues like immigration. Despite Worsoff's efforts to clarify that the project should not be equated with dystopian competition formats like 'The Hunger Games,' concerns remain prevalent in media and among public opinion as to whether such a portrayal of the immigration process demeans the value of citizenship or undermines the experiences of immigrants. As Worsoff claims that the pitch has been around since earlier administrations, it represents an ongoing discussion about the intersection of entertainment, politics, and immigration reform.