U.S. considering reality TV competition for citizenship

DHS considers reality show for immigrants to compete for citizenship, sparking controversy amid immigration crackdown under Trump administration.

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is considering taking part in a reality TV show in which immigrants would compete for American citizenship, the department confirmed on Friday (May 16, 2025).

Asked about the reported idea, DHS responded with a statement that said the pitch "has not received approval or rejection by staff," and that "each proposal undergoes a thorough vetting process prior to denial or approval."

"We need to revive patriotism and civic duty in this country, and we're happy to review out-of-the-box pitches," Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said in the statement.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the proposed show -- which was pitched by a Canadian American named Rob Worsoff -- would see contestants face off to prove they are the most American.

"This isn't The Hunger Games for immigrants," the newspaper quoted Worsoff as saying -- a reference to a dystopian novel and subsequent movie about children forced to kill each other in a televised competition for survival.

"This is not, 'Hey, if you lose, we are shipping you out on a boat out of the country,'" he said.

The Journal reviewed a 36-page slide deck from Worsoff's team about the proposed program, which would see contestants compete in one-hour episodes.