Citizenship as a competition? DHS reviews controversial reality TV pitch

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is evaluating an unconventional proposal: a reality television series in which immigrants compete in challenges for a chance to gain American citizenship. While the idea has neither been approved nor dismissed, DHS confirmed it is undergoing their standard review process.

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Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, stated the department remains open to imaginative ideas that aim to inspire civic pride and national identity, adding that all proposals are thoroughly vetted before any decision is made.

The concept was submitted by Rob Worsoff, a Canadian-American, who envisions a show where participants take on physical and team-based tasks meant to symbolize American values and history. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, suggested activities range from mock gold rush treasure hunts to assembling parts of classic American cars like the Model T.

The show would begin at Ellis Island, a historically significant entry point for immigrants to the US and proceed in an elimination format, with one contestant leaving each episode. Worsoff emphasized that the show is not designed as a harsh or punitive contest, distancing it from dystopian narratives like The Hunger Games.

This proposal comes at a time when the US  government, especially under the Trump administration, has taken a tougher stance on immigration. DHS has been central to that effort, scaling back programs like Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which allowed people from conflict or disaster-stricken countries to remain in the US legally. Nationals from countries such as Venezuela, Haiti, and Afghanistan have been among those affected by these policy changes.