DHS responds to reality show concept of migrants competing for citizenship
Is Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem backing a new reality TV show where immigrants compete for U.S. citizenship? That’s what some media outlets are reporting, but the Department of Homeland Security is pushing back, denying that Noem has any involvement in the proposal. However, the agency also confirmed that, while it has not approved the pitch, it has not officially rejected it either.
In an exclusive report by the Daily Mail, Noem is said to be “backing” what the outlet calls an “insane reality TV show where immigrants compete for fast-tracked citizenship.” The article references a 35-page program pitch, and claims Noem is “even offering” government officials to tally votes for the made-for-TV contest.
Reality show pitched by former ‘Duck Dynasty’ producer
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DHS receives hundreds of television show pitches a year with each proposal undergoing a thorough vetting process.
The proposal reportedly came from Rob Worsoff, a writer and producer best known for his work on “Duck Dynasty.” He pitched the show “The American,” in which 12 individuals seeking legal status would arrive on a New York island aboard what the pitch calls “The Citizen-Ship.”
According to the pitch, the show would be hosted by a “famous naturalized American,” with Colombian actress Sofia Vergara and Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds cited as possible hosts. The grand finale would feature the winner being sworn in on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.
Worsoff says there wouldn’t be ‘a dry eye’ watching finale
In excerpts from the pitch obtained by the Daily Mail, Worsoff wrote, “We’ll join in the laughter, tears, frustration and joy — hearing their backstories — as we are reminded how amazing it is to be American.”
“There won’t be a dry eye within 10 miles,” he reportedly added.
The remaining 11 contestants would not be deported but would reportedly receive a leg up in their citizenship applications.
DHS responds
DHS reacted to the media’s description of the situation, stating that it has had no involvement with the reality TV concept.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin responded on X, writing, “This is completely false” in reference to claims that Noem has backed or is even aware of the show’s pitch.
McLaughlin added that “DHS receives hundreds of television show pitches a year,” and that “each proposal undergoes a thorough vetting process prior to denial or approval.”
She clarified that this particular pitch “has not received approval or denial by staff.”
Rob Worsoff issued a statement on the Daily Mail’s report, telling The Wall Street Journal, “This isn’t ‘The Hunger Games’ for immigrants. This is not, ‘Hey, if you lose, we are shipping you out on a boat out of the country.’”
Worsoff also told the Journal he pitched the same idea during the Obama and Biden administrations, but to no avail.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
