DHS says it’s in beginning stages of ‘vetting process’ for immigrant reality TV show

The Department of Homeland Security is reviewing a reality TV pitch where immigrants would compete for American citizenship, according to a spokesperson who said in a statement to CNN that “the show in question is in the very beginning stages of that vetting process and has not received approval or denial by staff.”

The Department of Homeland Security is reviewing a reality TV pitch where immigrants would compete for American citizenship, according to a spokesperson who said in a statement to CNN that “the show in question is in the very beginning stages of that vetting process and has not received approval or denial by staff.” A producer who has pitched the idea to DHS said he envisions the show as being a “positive love letter to America” while dismissing criticism that it would be “punching down” on contestants. Rob Worsoff, himself a Canadian immigrant whose credits include “The Millionaire Matchmaker,” “Duck Dynasty” and “The Biggest Loser,” said he’s pitched the idea for his show as far back as the Obama Administration. He said he’s had three conversations with the current DHS about his pitch — “and they’ve gone far” — but said Secretary Kristi Noem has not been involved in any of the discussions. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told CNN in a statement that DHS “receives hundreds of television show pitches a year, ranging from documentaries surrounding ICE and CBP border operation to white collar investigations by HSI. Each proposal undergoes a thorough vetting process prior to denial or approval.” The Daily Mail and the Wall Street Journal previously reported on the show. McLaughlin denied aspects of the earlier report in the Daily Mail, however, saying Noem has not “‘backed’ or even reviewed the pitch of any scripted or reality show.” Worsoff said he envisions his show being like “‘The Biggest Loser’ for immigration” – referencing the former reality show where overweight contestants competed to see who would lose the most weight, and which had also been the subject of criticism about its content.