The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reportedly reviewing a reality TV show proposal where immigrants would compete for a chance to win United States citizenship. This controversial concept, pitched by Duck Dynasty producer Rob Worsoff, has caught the attention of officials in the Trump administration after previous pitches to the Obama and Biden administrations.
DHS Explores Immigrant Citizenship Competition Reality Show
According to a DHS spokesperson, the reality show idea is currently “in the very beginning stages of the vetting process.” Worsoff, known for producing hit series like Duck Dynasty and The Millionaire Matchmaker, confirmed to The Wall Street Journal that he has held discussions with DHS representatives about the project. He also indicated that Trump officials gave “positive” initial feedback.
The proposed format would feature immigrant contestants competing in challenges that test their knowledge of American history, civics, and culture, with the grand prize being U.S. citizenship. Worsoff emphasized that the show is not a “Hunger Games” style competition where losing would result in deportation, but rather a contest focused on education and opportunity.
Previous Pitches Under Obama and Biden Administrations
Rob Worsoff had pitched similar concepts to the DHS under former Presidents Obama and Biden, but those proposals did not advance. DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin noted to The Wall Street Journal that all TV show proposals undergo thorough vetting before approval or denial, and this idea remains under early review.
Reports initially surfaced that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem was supporting the show. However, Worsoff clarified that he had not directly spoken with Noem and was unsure if she was personally aware of the pitch.
Background: Rob Worsoff and Reality TV
Rob Worsoff immigrated from Canada and has a strong track record in reality television production. His involvement adds credibility to the proposed series, which aims to combine entertainment with a socially relevant theme amid intense national debates on immigration.
Trump Administration’s Immigration Policies Under Scrutiny
The pitch emerges amid ongoing scrutiny of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, which have included aggressive enforcement actions and controversial initiatives such as labeling some Latino immigrants as “dead” in Social Security databases to encourage “self-deportation.”
Notably, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has faced criticism for mistakenly arresting immigrants without proper due process, such as the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia—a legal immigrant deported to El Salvador despite federal court orders for his return.
