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DHS Confirms Early Review of Immigrant Reality Show Proposal

The Department of Homeland Security denies Secretary Kristi Noem's involvement in evaluating a pitched reality show where immigrants compete for U.S. citizenship.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem suggests a reality show called The American, featuring immigrants competing for citizenship. REUTERS/Anna Rose Layden
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seal hangs on a fence at the agency's headquarters in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014. The U.S. House is set to pass a $1.1 trillion spending bill that includes a banking provision opposed by many Democrats as a giveaway to large institutions. Current funding for the government ends today, and the measure would finance most of the government through September 2015. The DHS, responsible for immigration policy, would be financed only through Feb. 27. Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images
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Overview

  • The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is in the initial stages of reviewing a reality TV show concept titled 'The American,' pitched by producer Rob Worsoff.
  • The show would feature 12 pre-vetted immigrants competing in regional challenges across the U.S., with the grand prize being a fast-tracked naturalization ceremony.
  • DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin confirmed the pitch is under standard vetting but refuted claims that Secretary Kristi Noem has reviewed or supported the idea.
  • Unnamed sources cited by the Daily Mail allege Noem secretly supports the project, but these claims remain unverified and are officially denied by DHS.
  • The proposal has drawn sharp criticism online, with detractors labeling it dystopian and dehumanizing, while Worsoff defends it as a celebration of the immigration process.