DHS vetting reality show where immigrants could COMPETE to jump citizenship line
Imagine competing for the ultimate prize.
On national television.
Homeland Security Considers Unique TV Concept
Reports are circulating about a highly unusual proposal landing on the desk of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The idea? A reality television show.
But this isn't just any reality show. It involves immigrants vying for a chance at American citizenship.
According to a DHS spokesperson, the pitch is currently in the very early phases of review.
It hasn't received any official green light or rejection yet.
The Vision Behind the Pitch
The man behind the concept is producer Rob Worsoff.
Worsoff, himself an immigrant from Canada, has a diverse background in reality TV, with credits including hits like "Duck Dynasty" and "The Biggest Loser."
He shared his vision for the show, describing it as intended to be "a positive love letter to America."
He also pushed back against potential criticism that the show might be seen as "punching down" on contestants.
Years in the Making
Worsoff revealed he's been pitching this idea for quite some time.
His concept dates back as far as the Obama Administration.
He's had multiple recent conversations with the current DHS, indicating the pitch has progressed significantly.
However, he clarified that Secretary Kristi Noem has not been involved in any of these discussions.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin confirmed the department receives numerous show pitches annually, covering a range of topics from border operations to investigations.
Each proposal undergoes a "thorough vetting process."
More Than Just a Competition?
Worsoff compared the show's structure to "The Biggest Loser," a show known for its high-stakes competition format.
But he quickly emphasized a key difference for his immigration concept.
"There’s nobody who loses on this show — it’s ridiculous to even suggest otherwise."
He stated the contestants would all be individuals already likely to become Americans, people "with a place in line" and "good candidates."
According to Worsoff, the show isn't about creating losers.
It's about offering "the opportunity to jump to the front of the line."
He argued this doesn't negatively impact others in the queue.
Instead, he believes it will humanize them, sharing their stories and potentially opening up new opportunities.
Inside the Pitch Deck
Details from the pitch deck, shared with CNN, reveal more about the proposed format.
The working title for the show is "The American."
The description highlights the aim to feature a diverse group of contestants.
Viewers would share in their emotional journey, "hearing their backstories."
The show intends to serve as a reminder of "how amazing it is to be American" through the eyes of those seeking that status.
The goal is to showcase the "freedom, opportunity and honor" of being American.
Competing for Citizenship
The structure includes various challenges designed to test contestants and engage viewers.
Each episode would reportedly feature a heritage challenge, an elimination challenge, and a town-hall meeting.
The heritage challenges would be location-specific, like a "gold rush" theme in San Francisco or a "pizza" challenge in New York.
These challenges are intended to highlight "how cool America is."
A unique element is the proposed town-hall meeting, styled "just like in a presidential election."
Worsoff explained how this could work: "The people of Tennessee, let’s say, will get to vote on which one of our future Americans they would most like to represent the state of Tennessee.”
He acknowledged the high stakes involved for the contestants.
But for him, that's not a drawback.
"I would hope that any competition reality show has stakes," Worsoff stated. "Yeah, I’m not going to apologize for that fact that there are real stakes on the show. I don’t think that’s a bad thing, I think that’s a good thing.”
The idea is certainly attention-grabbing, and its journey through the DHS vetting process will be watched closely.
