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The Department of Homeland Security is reportedly considering a reality show during which immigrants would compete for U.S. citizenship.
According to the Daily Mail, Rob Worsoff, a Canadian writer, producer, and director, pitched a show called "The American," during which immigrants would compete in various challenges across the U.S. to win citizenship. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem was a fan of the concept, per the outlet.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin confirmed that the reality show was in the "very beginning stages" of the department's vetting process. However, McLaughlin denied reports that Noem had any knowledge or involvement in the show.
“Secretary Noem has not ‘backed’ or even reviewed the pitch of any scripted or reality show. The Department of Homeland Security receives hundreds of television show pitches a year, ranging from documentaries surrounding ICE and CBP border operation to white collar investigations by HSI,” McLaughlin said in a statement. “Each proposal undergoes a thorough vetting process prior to denial or approval.”
Worsoff's show pitch proposes that 12 immigrants would arrive by boat, called "The Citizen Ship," at Ellis Island in New York before traveling across the country by train and competing in various American-themed challenges like rolling logs in Wisconsin and collecting gold in a San Francisco mine.
“Along the way, we will be reminded what it means to be American – through the eyes of the people who want it most,” Worsoff’s pitch said, per the Daily Mail.
The winner of "The American" would be sworn in by a famed judge or politician in front of the Capitol. Additional prizes would include 1 million American Airlines points, a $10,000 Starbucks Gift Card, or a lifetime supply of 76 gasoline.
Contestants who lose the series would still be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship through the traditional route.
“I’m not affiliated with any political ideology. As an immigrant myself, I am merely trying to make a show that celebrates the immigration process, celebrate what it means to be American and have a national conversation about what it means to be American, through the eyes of the people who want it most,” Worsoff said, per the Daily Mail.
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