DHS Weighs Reality Show Where Immigrants Compete for U.S. Citizenship
The Department of Homeland Security is reviewing a pitch for a reality TV show called The American, where immigrants would compete in challenges across the country for a fast track to U.S. citizenship, according to The Daily Mail.
The concept, still in its early stages, comes from Canadian-born producer Rob Worsoff—best known for the hit reality series Duck Dynasty. A Homeland Security official told The Daily Beast the show is undergoing the initial phases of vetting but hasn’t been officially approved or rejected yet.
The 35-page pitch, obtained by The Daily Mail, describes the show as a celebration of American identity—through the perspective of immigrants chasing the American dream. “We want to have a national conversation about what it means to be American, through the eyes of the people who want it most,” the proposal says.
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has been linked to the project, with sources telling The Daily Mail she supports the idea. However, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin denied that Noem has reviewed the pitch or is involved in the process.
“The Department of Homeland Security receives hundreds of TV show proposals each year,” McLaughlin said in a statement. “Each one is thoroughly reviewed before a decision is made.”
Still, anonymous sources insist Noem is behind the idea and wants it to move forward.
As outlined in the pitch, the show would begin with 12 pre-screened contestants arriving at Ellis Island aboard a boat called The Citizen Ship. They’d be welcomed by a celebrity host—ideally a well-known naturalized American like Sofia Vergara or Ryan Reynolds—who would greet them with a personalized baseball glove.
The contestants would then travel across the U.S. on a train named The American, stopping in different states to learn local history and compete in regionally themed challenges. These range from balancing on logs in Wisconsin to launching rockets in Florida’s Cape Canaveral.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officials would reportedly be involved in tallying votes.
“We’ll laugh, cry, and hear their stories,” the pitch promises. “We’ll be reminded how incredible it is to be American.”
Even the contestants who don’t win will walk away with “iconically American” prizes—like a million American Airlines miles, a $10,000 Starbucks gift card, and a lifetime supply of 76 gas. They’ll also receive support to continue through the standard naturalization process.
The ultimate winner will be sworn in as a U.S. citizen during a ceremony on Capitol Hill—possibly by a prominent judge or politician. “There won’t be a dry eye within 10 miles,” the pitch claims.
The timing of the show’s leak comes as Governor Noem faces fresh criticism. During a budget hearing this week, lawmakers mocked her for her numerous media appearances and wardrobe changes, which have earned her the nickname “ICE Barbie.”
Noem has made headlines for dressing up as a firefighter, immigration agent, and even a helicopter pilot as she helps carry out former President Donald Trump’s aggressive deportation policies.
Despite the mockery, Noem told Fox News she’s not fazed. “Every day I wake up and there’s new criticisms,” she said last month. “It’s something different every single day, so I try not to pay attention to the noise.”
