Written by Nwosu Chizoba David
@footballheadlyn | @eheadlyn
Zoba Digital Media LTD | 2025
In a move that sounds more like a dystopian drama than an actual immigration policy proposal, Trump administration officials are reportedly in talks with Rob Worsoff, a producer known for Duck Dynasty, about a reality TV show that would see immigrants competing in challenges for the ultimate prize: U.S. citizenship.
The proposed show, tentatively titled “The American,” is currently under review by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). If greenlit, it would take contestants—real-life immigrants seeking citizenship—on a cross-country journey beginning at the historic Ellis Island. At each stop, participants would engage in tasks themed around American history and values. Think: assembling a Model T, reenacting the Gold Rush, or demonstrating knowledge of the Constitution. The competition would culminate in a grand finale on Capitol Hill, where the winner is awarded U.S. citizenship.
Yes, this is real.
A Cross Between Patriotism and Prime-Time TV
According to Worsoff, who is himself a Canadian immigrant, the show aims to celebrate the American dream rather than ridicule or exploit hopeful migrants. “This isn’t Survivor: Immigration Island,” he said in a recent interview. “Nobody gets deported. In fact, even those who don’t win get consolation prizes—think airline miles or gift cards.”
The producer claims that several networks have shown interest, although no deal has been finalized. And despite reports linking DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to the project, DHS clarified that while the idea is under review, Secretary Noem has not personally endorsed it.
Still, the fact that DHS is entertaining the proposal at all has ignited widespread criticism.
A Contest of Citizenship or a Dangerous Spectacle?
Critics have been quick to draw comparisons to dystopian pop culture, from The Hunger Games to Black Mirror. The idea of turning the emotionally and politically charged issue of immigration into a televised contest has sparked outrage among immigrant rights activists and ethicists alike.
“This reduces the deeply human and often traumatic journey of immigration into entertainment,” one immigration attorney tweeted. “The message this sends is grotesque: that immigrants must ‘earn’ citizenship through spectacle.”
Supporters, however, argue that the show could bring public attention to the often-invisible struggles faced by immigrants and present a more “American Idol” approach to patriotism.
Why Now?
The proposal comes at a time of renewed focus on U.S. immigration policies. The Trump team has been doubling down on strict immigration enforcement, proposals to end birthright citizenship, and a host of legal battles surrounding migrant detention and deportation.
Critics argue that this reality show pitch is part of a larger narrative: to reframe the immigration process not as a legal right or humanitarian issue but as a game to be won—or lost—in public view.
The Bottom Line
As of now, The American remains a pitch, not a production. DHS has not approved it, and no television network has officially signed on. But the idea alone reveals much about the intersection of politics, media, and public perception in today’s America.
Whether it moves forward or not, this story is a stark reminder of how the line between governance and entertainment continues to blur—and how high the stakes can be when real lives are at play.
What do you think? Should immigration ever be part of a televised contest? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag us @footballheadlyn and @eheadlyn on social media.
#ImmigrationNews #RealityTV #TheAmerican #TrumpImmigration #DHS #ZobaDigitalMedia
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