Trump admin mulls reality TV show where immigrants compete for citizenship after Obama and Biden declined

WASHINGTON, DC: A reality show concept is gaining attention in Washington, as Donald Trump officials explore a proposal that would pit immigrants against each other in a televised competition with US citizenship as the ultimate prize.

The idea comes from reality TV producer Rob Worsoff, best known for working on ‘Duck Dynasty’ and ‘The Millionaire Matchmaker’, who confirmed to The Wall Street Journal that he has held talks with members of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) about the show, reports People.

Trump officials entertain reality show pitch where immigrants compete for US citizenship

According to Worsoff, the idea received “positive” initial feedback, although DHS insists the concept is only in the earliest stages of consideration.

“This isn’t The Hunger Games for immigrants,” Worsoff told the WSJ, stressing that “this is not, ‘Hey, if you lose, we are shipping you out on a boat out of the country.’”

The proposed show, still untitled, would involve immigrant contestants navigating a series of tests centered on American culture, governance, and values. 

DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said the pitch is going through a standard “vetting process” and clarified that it is not an active government initiative at this time.

Worsoff had brought the show idea to the Department of Homeland Security back when former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden were in office, but it never gained traction at the time. 

The Trump administration has come under fire in recent months for its tough stance on immigration. Critics have pointed to sweeping raids targeting immigrant communities and raised serious concerns over policies like reportedly marking Latino immigrants as “dead” in the Social Security system.

Kristi Noem proposes reality show where migrants compete for US citizenship

In a statement to The Daily Beast, McLaughlin clarified that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has not reviewed the proposal, nor has her department given any approval for production.

“The Department of Homeland Security receives hundreds of television show pitches a year,” McLaughlin explained to the Wall Street Journal. “Each proposal undergoes a thorough vetting process prior to denial or approval.”

McLaughlin publicly denied that Noem had any role in the project, but according to anonymous insiders cited by the Daily Mail, the Homeland Security secretary is actually “backing” the idea and is eager to see it move forward.

According to reports, the show would kick off with 12 carefully selected contestants stepping off “The Citizen Ship” at Ellis Island in New York.

They’d be greeted by the host, ideally a “famous, naturalized American” like Colombian Sofia Vergara or Canadian Ryan Reynolds, who would welcome each of them with a custom baseball glove.

USCIS officials reportedly tapped to count votes in wild new proposal

According to a pitch circulating in political circles, officials from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are being considered to tally votes.

The pitch promises, “We’ll join in the laughter, tears, frustration, and joy—hearing their backstories as we are reminded how amazing it is to be American.”

Even those who don't win will receive “iconically American” parting gifts, including one million American Airlines points, a $10,000 Starbucks gift card, and a lifetime supply of 76 gasoline - along with potential advantages in the standard naturalization process.

The winner will be granted US citizenship in a ceremony held on Capitol Hill, led by 'a top American politician or judge.' As the pitch puts it, “There won’t be a dry eye within 10 miles.”

Social media erupts after Trump officials reportedly entertain immigrant competition show pitch

An alleged proposal for a reality TV-style competition show about immigration reportedly discussed between Trump-era officials and a 'Duck Dynasty’ producer has sparked intense backlash and ridicule across social media, with many calling the concept “pathetic,” “distasteful,” and “laughable.”

“This is completely pathetic and inappropriate. Deport them all,” one user commented in frustration.

“No. Just no. This is the worst idea since bindergate,” another wrote, referencing past political blunders.

“Sounds like a gimmick, not real immigration reform,” one user said.

“This is such in bad taste. I don’t like it,” echoed another.

Another commented, “This story is laughable. Hundreds of script ideas are submitted by producers to the government; some get greenlit like the recent spate of SpecOps shows. This was leaked by the producer, and it is as much to insult Noem as anything else. They ‘review’ all submitted ideas and reject almost all of them.”

A user shared, “Please Sir… DON’T DO THIS!! It’s degrading on so many levels and just feels all wrong. Let’s not tarnish our great county’s reputation any more than the last two administrations have done already!”

The seventh user lamented, “The US is the joke of the entire world. I can’t believe I live here. It’s embarrassing.”

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