A reality show where immigrants from different countries live together and compete in patriotic, America-themed challenges to win U.S. citizenship might sound like satire, but it could soon become a real possibility. Titled The American, the concept is currently under review by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and has been pitched by Rob Worsoff, a well-known reality TV producer who has worked on shows like Duck Dynasty and The Millionaire Matchmaker. Worsoff, himself a Canadian immigrant, says the idea came to him during his own naturalization process and insists the show is not meant to be cruel or humiliating. Instead, he calls it a celebration of what it means to be American.
In this show, immigrants would travel across the United States and take part in various challenges that represent different aspects of American culture and history. These would range from light-hearted or stereotypical tasks like collecting gold in San Francisco to more skill-based or knowledge-based challenges such as assembling rockets or answering trivia about American civics. The winner would receive U.S. citizenship, a highly sought-after reward, while those who don’t win would not be penalized, according to Worsoff. However, that part of the plan remains vague and is already raising questions about how ethical or fair this kind of competition could ever be.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, confirmed that the show is being considered and said that the agency is open to “out-of-the-box pitches” that highlight American values. She said the show could help revive civic pride and strengthen the public’s understanding of American traditions. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem is reportedly reviewing the proposal.
The idea of turning the process of immigration into a form of televised entertainment is already sparking controversy. Critics argue that while the show claims to be a celebration of patriotism, it risks trivializing the serious and often painful journey that immigrants take to become U.S. citizens. Reducing something as meaningful as citizenship to a competition may come across as disrespectful or exploitative, especially in a political climate where immigration policies have become increasingly strict.
Since returning to power, Donald Trump has pushed for tougher immigration laws and enforcement, deporting over 271,000 undocumented immigrants this year alone—a figure not seen in nearly a decade. He has also introduced a self-deportation program offering flight tickets and $1,000 to migrants who leave voluntarily. At the same time, Trump has left the door open for what he calls “good” individuals to return legally. Against this backdrop, a show like The American feels both in line with Trump’s love for reality television and his aggressive approach to immigration policy.
What makes this idea even more striking is that it follows a pattern from Trump’s first term, where he allowed documentarians to film real ICE operations for a Netflix series called Immigration Nation. That show was met with outrage for how it exposed the harsh realities of immigration enforcement, yet it also underscored Trump’s comfort with using the entertainment world to shape narratives around immigration and national identity.
Worsoff insists that The American is not about punishment or humiliation. He sees it as a way to remind Americans—and the world—about the values the country stands for, and to show how proud people should be to gain citizenship. But even if intentions are noble, the format of a reality show inherently raises questions about dignity, fairness, and the ethical boundaries of entertainment.
If this show does go into production, it would be unlike anything seen before. It would also be one of the most politically and socially charged reality shows ever made. Whether it’s accepted as a genuine tribute to American values or criticized as a degrading spectacle will depend not just on how it’s produced, but also on how viewers and the public choose to respond. In a time where national identity is such a sensitive and contested issue, turning immigration into reality TV could easily blur the line between celebration and exploitation.
