American Idol: Citizenship Edition? Trump Officials Entertain Reality Show Pitch with Citizenship as the Prize

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is reportedly reviewing a pitch that sounds more like prime-time satire than public policy: a reality television game show in which immigrants compete for American citizenship. 

Tricia McLaughlin, a department spokesperson, confirmed to a media outlet that the pitch is being considered as part of an “out-of-the-box” initiative, describing the concept as a “celebration of being an American.” 

The challenges would reportedly focus on American traditions, presumably with a side of spectacle. 

“We need to revive patriotism and civic duty in this country,” McLaughlin said. “And we’re happy to review out-of-the-box pitches. This pitch has not received approval or rejection by staff.” 

From Deportations to Game Shows 

The proposal comes amid an intensifying immigration crackdown by Donald Trump, the former reality TV star turned president, whose policies have targeted undocumented immigrants, refugees, and even legal permanent residents. 

In some cases, U.S. citizen children have reportedly been deported alongside undocumented parents, an irony that might give this game show a darker undercurrent. 

The reality show idea was reportedly pitched by Rob Worsoff, a Canadian-born producer and writer best known for his work on Duck Dynasty, a reality show about a Louisiana hunting family popular among Trump’s base. In an interview, he said the concept stemmed from his own naturalization journey. 

A 36-page slide deck reviewed by The Wall Street Journal detailed the show’s format: one-hour episodes culminating in the winner being sworn in as a U.S. citizen. Worsoff was quick to emphasize the show’s intent: “This isn’t The Hunger Games for immigrants,” he said. “This is not: ‘Hey, if you lose, we are shipping you out on a boat out of the country.’” 

While the pitch is still under review, the department clarified that it receives hundreds of television proposals annually, ranging from documentaries on immigration to dramas focused on border security and white-collar crime.

“Each proposal undergoes a thorough vetting process prior to denial or approval,” McLaughlin said.