A veteran reality show producer claims the Department of Homeland Security and the President Trump administration are considering his game show that would pit immigrants against each other for a chance at a fast-tracked path to citizenship.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed Friday it is reviewing a pitch for a reality TV show in which immigrants would compete for American citizenship, a concept that has drawn swift criticism amid the Trump administration’s hardline immigration policies.
The Proposal
According to The Wall Street Journal, the show—pitched by Canadian-American producer Rob Worsoff—would feature challenges like gold mining and assembling Model T cars, evoking historical American themes. Contestants would be eliminated weekly after arriving at a replica Ellis Island.
“This isn’t ‘The Hunger Games’ for immigrants,” Worsoff told the Journal, emphasizing no deportations would follow eliminations. A 36-page slide deck outlines the concept as a celebration of patriotism.
DHS Response
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated the pitch “has not received approval or rejection” but acknowledged the department’s openness to “out-of-the-box” ideas to revive civic engagement.
Controversial Timing
The review coincides with the Trump administration’s termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of Haiti, Venezuela, and Afghanistan—part of broader efforts to restrict immigration. Critics argue the show trivializes the naturalization process while DHS conducts raids and deportations.
Key Details:
- Show format includes historical-themed challenges
- No policy change required; current law allows discretionary naturalization
- Producer insists it’s “educational,” not exploitative
Reactions Pending:
Civil rights groups and immigration advocates are expected to condemn the concept as inappropriate amid ongoing enforcement crackdowns.