In a surprising move, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), under Secretary Kristi Noem, is reportedly considering a U.S. citizenship reality show.
It was gathered that the U.S. citizenship reality show titled: ‘The American’ will offer immigrants opportunities to compete in a series of challenges to fast-track their path to U.S. citizenship.
Canadian-born writer and producer Rob Worsoff pitched the show to Homeland Security.
Speaking on the U.S. citizenship reality show, Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin, who spoke with the press, said the show is in the “very beginning stages” of the department’s vetting process and has not been approved or denied.
McLaughlin also maintained that 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.
“Each proposal undergoes a thorough vetting process prior to denial or approval,” she added.
Meanwhile, a review of the idea of the U.S. citizenship reality show reveals that the show is expected to feature 12 pre-vetted contestants arriving at Ellis Island, greeted by a “famous, naturalized American” host.
Competitors would face challenges which could include rolling logs in Wisconsin or collecting gold in a San Francisco mine.
The show’s idea is 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 American prizes, such as 1 million American Airlines points, a $10,000 Starbucks Gift Card or a lifetime supply of 76 gasoline.
While eliminated contestants could still pursue traditional citizenship processes.
The U.S. citizenship reality show proposal emerged against the backdrop of U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration policies in his second term.
Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has intensified deportation efforts, signing executive orders to triple workplace raids, target “sanctuary cities,” and deputize state and local law enforcement for immigration enforcement.
His administration has also offered $1,000 stipends to undocumented immigrants who self-deport and invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged gang members, though some actions have faced legal challenges.
