The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reviewing a pitch for a reality television show titled “The American,” proposed by Rob Worsoff, a Canadian-born producer known for his work on A&E’s Duck Dynasty and Bravo’s Millionaire Matchmaker.
The show would feature immigrants competing in various “American” challenges, with the winner receiving fast-tracked U.S. citizenship.
While DHS officials confirm the proposal is in the early stages of vetting, the concept has sparked significant controversy, with critics comparing it to dystopian narratives like The Hunger Games.
This report compiles information from multiple news sources to provide an overview of the proposal, its context within the Trump administration’s immigration policies, and public reactions.
The pitch for The American was first reported by The Daily Mail and has since been covered by major outlets including The Washington Post, Fox News, USA Today, The Guardian, and CNN.
According to these sources, Worsoff envisions a one-hour reality competition series where immigrants, already navigating the U.S. immigration system, would compete in regionally specific challenges across the country.
Proposed activities include gold mining in San Francisco, assembling a Model T in Detroit, clam digging in Maine, and log rolling in Wisconsin.
Contestants would travel on a train named “The American,” starting their journey at Ellis Island, a historical entry point for immigrants. The winner would be sworn in as a U.S. citizen in a televised finale, potentially on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.
Worsoff, who immigrated to the U.S. from Canada, has pitched the show as a “positive love letter to America” and a celebration of American citizenship.
He has emphasized that the show is not intended to be a “Hunger Games for immigrants,” assuring that losing contestants would not face deportation but could receive consolation prizes, such as Starbucks gift cards or American Airlines points.
Worsoff has also suggested high-profile immigrant celebrities like Sofia Vergara or Ryan Reynolds as potential hosts, though no official involvement has been confirmed.
DHS has acknowledged receiving the pitch and is in the preliminary stages of reviewing it. According to a DHS spokesperson quoted by CNN, “the show in question is in the very beginning stages of that vetting process and has not received approval or denial by staff.”
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, who has been noted for her media-savvy approach, including appearances in tactical gear during immigration-related photo ops, has not yet been briefed on the proposal, according to multiple sources.
However, Tricia McLaughlin, a DHS assistant secretary and Trump appointee, has expressed support for the concept, describing it as a “celebration of being an American.”
Some reports, such as one from The Daily Mail, initially suggested Noem was actively backing the show and offering U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officials to tally votes.
DHS later refuted these claims, with a spokesperson posting on social media that Noem was unaware of the pitch and that the department receives numerous television proposals annually, ranging from documentaries to reality shows.
