DHS Is Considering A Reality Show Where Immigrants Compete For CitizenshipStory by Taiyler S. Mitchell
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem listens as President Donald Trump speaks during a FIFA task force meeting on the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) (Photo: via Associated Press)The Department of Homeland Security is mulling over a reality television show in which immigrants would compete for U.S. citizenship.
The Daily Mail reported on Thursday that Rob Worsoff, a Canadian-born writer, producer and director, pitched the show, titled “The American,” and that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem is a fan of the concept.
DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin told HuffPost on Thursday that the show is in the “very beginning stages” of the department’s vetting process and has not been approved or denied. However, McLaughlin said it was “completely false” that Noem had any knowledge of or involvement in the show.
“Secretary Noem has not ‘backed’ or even reviewed the pitch of any scripted or reality show. The Department of Homeland Security receives hundreds of television show pitches a year, ranging from documentaries surrounding ICE and CBP border operation to white collar investigations by HSI,” McLaughlin said in a statement. “Each proposal undergoes a thorough vetting process prior to denial or approval.”
Worsoff has worked on a variety of reality shows, including “Duck Dynasty,” “The Millionaire Matchmaker” and “Dating Naked.”
The Daily Mail said the pitch proposes that 12 contestants would arrive by boat, specifically dubbed “The Citizen Ship,” at Ellis Island in New York City before traveling across the U.S. by train and competing in various challenges, which could include rolling logs in Wisconsin or collecting gold in a San Francisco mine.
“Along the way, we will be reminded what it means to be American – through the eyes of the people who want it most,” Worsoff’s pitch said, according to The Daily Mail.
The outlet said that the winner of the series would be sworn in by a famed judge or politician in front of the Capitol building. There would also be additional, absurdly American prizes, such as 1 million American Airlines points, a $10,000 Starbucks Gift Card or a lifetime supply of 76 gasoline.
Those who lose would still be able to apply for U.S. citizenship through the traditional route.
“I’m not affiliated with any political ideology. As an immigrant myself, I am merely trying to make a show that celebrates the immigration process, celebrate what it means to be American and have a national conversation about what it means to be American, through the eyes of the people who want it most,” Worsoff said, according to the Daily Mail.
HuffPost has not reviewed the pitch.
The news comes a day after Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) called out Noem, disparaged by her critics as “Cosplay Kristi” and “ICE Barbie,” for her apparent costume changes and staged photo ops during ICE raids and DHS assignments.
“Whatever got you here, Secretary Noem, I’m glad you found time among your many photo ops and costume changes to testify about why President Trump is seeking more taxpayer dollars, and what you plan to do with that money if you get it,” Thompson said at the House Homeland Security Committee Wednesday.
Worsoff did not immediately respond to HuffPost’s request for comment.
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