The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed Friday that it is debating a proposal for reality TV show in which immigrants would compete in competitions to achieve American citizenship.
In response to the reports about the show, DHS released a statement making clear that the concept "has not received approval or rejection by staff," and stressed that "each proposal goes through a rigorous vetting process before 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,” said Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the planned show was offered by Canadian-American producer Rob Worsoff. The idea would involve competitors competing in weekly challenges designed to pit their "American spirit" and knowledge of history against one another. Even with comparisons, Worsoff maintained, "This isn't The Hunger Games for immigrants," referencing the dystopian series in which contestants are compelled to fight to live in a reality TV show.
"This is not, 'Hey, if you lose, we are sending you off in a boat out of the nation,'" he said to the newspaper.
A 36-page PowerPoint presentation that had been vetted by The Journal sketched out the show's format: every one-hour episode would have challenges with American history and values themes. For example, one challenge might be a gold rush-themed challenge to pull metal from a mine, while another would involve teams building a Model T automobile chassis.
The series would premiere on Ellis Island — a symbolic gesture to the historic gateway for millions of immigrants — and end with one contestant getting voted off each week.
The suggestion comes as the Trump administration, anchored by the former reality television personality Donald Trump, has taken an aggressive stance against immigration. The DHS has been instrumental in blocking protection for groups of people under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) — a government program that provides the opportunity for people to stay in the U.S. if they cannot return to their home nation safely owing to war, natural disaster, or extreme situations.
Since entering office, the administration has proceeded to terminate TPS protections for nationals from nations such as Haiti, Afghanistan, and Venezuela and has increased immigration raids and deportations across the country.
Although the show has not been formally approved or funded, it reflects the increasingly entertainment-oriented and contentious debate regarding immigration policy in the U.S.
