Immigrants Could Compete for Citizenship in Proposed DHS-Endorsed Show

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is currently reviewing a controversial proposal for a reality television show titled "The American," which would feature immigrants competing for the ultimate prize: US citizenship. 

The concept has ignited a heated debate over the intersection of entertainment and the traditionally serious process of naturalisation, particularly amid heightened immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. According to DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin, the proposal remains in its early stages of evaluation and has not yet received approval or rejection. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem has not personally assessed the concept.

The show, conceptualised by Canadian television producer Rob Worsoff of "Duck Dynasty" and "Millionaire Matchmaker" fame, would follow immigrant contestants as they navigate a series of challenges designed to test their knowledge of American culture and history. Worsoff told The Wall Street Journal he has not engaged directly with Noem. Worsoff sought to distance the show from dystopian narratives, stating, "This isn’t The Hunger Games for immigrants."  He emphasised that eliminated contestants would not face deportation, assuring that the elimination process would align with conventional reality competition formats.

A Glimpse Inside 'The American'

Detailed documents obtained by The Daily Mail reveal that "The American" would unfold as a multi-episode journey, commencing with contestants arriving by boat at Ellis Island, the historic gateway for immigrants to the US. The contestants would then embark on a cross-country journey aboard "The American," a train serving as the primary setting for the competition.

Each episode would feature a mix of challenges, including a "heritage challenge," an "elimination challenge," and a "town hall meeting" where contestants would engage in discussions about American values. These challenges encompass activities that producers consider emblematic of American culture, such as gold mining in San Francisco, logrolling in Wisconsin, and assembling a Model T Ford chassis in Detroit. The season finale would culminate in a televised ceremony on the steps of the US Capitol, where one contestant would be granted US citizenship.

Potential Hosts

The proposal also includes a list of potential hosts, featuring naturalised U.S. citizens such as actress Sofia Vergara, actor Ryan Reynolds, and actress Mila Kunis. However, sources close to Reynolds indicate that he has not been approached regarding the project. The proposed series has sparked ethical and political concerns about the propriety of blending entertainment with the naturalisation process. Critics question whether television is an appropriate medium for addressing such a serious and critical matter.

Immigration Enforcement Under the Trump Administration

The proposal surfaces amid an era of heightened immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump's administration. Since reassuming office, Trump has prioritised immigration crackdowns through executive orders, declaring a national emergency at the US-Mexico border, deploying additional military personnel, and attempting to revoke birthright citizenship for children of noncitizens. The administration has also reduced access to asylum, suspended refugee resettlement programs, and terminated temporary humanitarian protections for approximately 350,000 Venezuelans.

Additionally, the administration has intensified efforts to deport individuals residing in the country illegally, directing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to increase arrests from hundreds per day to at least 1,200 to 1,500 daily. Resources from the FBI, U.S. Marshals, and the Drug Enforcement Administration have been mobilised to support these objectives. Further, the government has expanded its use of the Guantánamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba as a detention site for migrants.

Legal Challenges 

The administration’s intensified immigration policies have faced several legal challenges. Officials from 22 states, along with representatives from Washington, D.C., and San Francisco, have filed lawsuits opposing Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship. Advocacy groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Immigrant Justice Centre, have contested the administration’s claims that an "invasion" at the border justifies the expulsion of migrants without due process. The intersection of entertainment and immigration policy remains a delicate issue. Critics contend that "The American" risks trivialising the seriousness of the immigration process.