U.S. Denies Plans for Reality Show Where Immigrants Compete for Citizenship

U.S. Rejects Migrant Reality Show Claims

DHS Denies Involvement in TV Program

Citizenship “Is Not Entertainment”

According to EFE, the U.S. government has firmly denied that it is considering or supporting the creation of a reality television show in which immigrants would compete for American citizenship.

The controversy began after a report by British tabloid The Daily Mail, which claimed that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was considering backing a reality show with such a premise.

The report sparked public outrage and political backlash, suggesting that citizenship could be turned into televised entertainment.

During a Senate hearing held Tuesday, lawmakers directly questioned DHS Secretary Kristi Noem about the alleged involvement of her department in the rumored show.

DHS Distances Itself from Migrant Reality Show

U.S. Rejects Migrant Reality Show Claims | PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

“I have no plans to create a reality show,” Noem stated emphatically, aiming to put an end to the growing rumors circulating across media and social platforms.

Shortly after, DHS spokespersons reiterated that the department categorically denies any involvement or support for such a project.

Tricia McLaughlin, a deputy secretary at DHS, told EFE that Secretary Noem “has not endorsed nor is aware of any proposed fictional or reality television program.”

However, McLaughlin did admit that staff had “neither approved nor rejected the plan,” indicating that someone had formally presented the idea to the agency.

A Proposal That Divides Opinion

Migrant Reality Show | PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

She explained that DHS receives “hundreds of television project proposals annually.” An internal team evaluates each one based on legal, ethical, and operational criteria.

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, McLaughlin clarified that the review of this particular proposal was “in its early stages,” implying it had not been immediately dismissed.

The producer behind the controversial concept is Rob Worsoff, known for his work on various U.S. television formats.

Worsoff defended the idea, describing the show as “a celebration of being American and of the privilege of U.S. citizenship.”

Migrant Reality Show Sparks Political Alarm

“It’s not ‘The Hunger Games’ for immigrants,” Worsoff said sarcastically. “This isn’t ‘If you lose, you’re getting shipped out of the country.’”

Despite his comments, the proposal has sparked heated ethical debate over the idea of turning sensitive processes like naturalization into entertainment.

The news comes at a time when President Donald Trump’s administration has intensified its crackdown on immigration.

Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has reinstated hardline policies, including announcements of mass deportation operations and efforts to limit birthright citizenship.