In a development that’s already generating sharp debate, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reviewing a pitch for a reality competition show that would feature immigrants competing in stereotypically “American” challenges for a shot at U.S. citizenship.
The proposed series, titled The American, comes from reality television veteran Rob Worsoff (Duck Dynasty, Millionaire Matchmaker), who confirmed the pitch in a Facebook post Friday. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Department of Homeland Security is currently vetting the proposal — a process that has not yet resulted in approval or denial.
“Each proposal undergoes a thorough vetting process prior to denial or approval,” said Tricia McLaughlin, DHS assistant secretary for public affairs. She confirmed The American is in the early stages of that review.
The series would reportedly involve contestants participating in historically or culturally “American” tasks — like panning for gold in San Francisco or assembling a Model T in Detroit — to showcase their knowledge of, and connection to, the U.S.
Despite backlash from early coverage in outlets like the Daily Mail, Worsoff defended the project’s intent and tone, posting a detailed and impassioned explanation on Facebook:
“Welp. Guess it’s time for me to address this publicly. First off, I haven’t spoken with Kristi Noem. Not yet, anyway. I have been working with some people under Kristi at the DHS on this project. I also worked with the DHS under Obama and Biden. It was never a flat-out NO from any admin. It was always just about timing. The show itself is literally the OPPOSITE of what it appears to be in the Daily Mail. It’s not mean spirited. Instead, ‘The American’ is a celebration of what it means to be… well… American — At a time when our morale is at an all-time low.
I am an immigrant to America, and I went through a long process to get here. I think it’s time — in a positive and kind and meaningful way — to celebrate that process. To get to know the backstories of our American-hopefuls… and to go on the journey alongside them. To welcome them — with fellow Americans helping in every state along the way.
NOBODY in this show will move backwards in the citizenship process, and no — nobody gets kicked out if they lose.
When I worked on the earliest iterations of The Biggest Loser — people also assumed the worst — that we were exploiting fat people — shaming them — that we were toying with their health, etc. And then they actually watched the show and went ‘ohhhh — right — of course — that’s not what this show is at all.’
And that’s what I want to make here — a heartfelt series with tears of joy and fun loud American challenges — be they mental, or physical. But always safe, and always well-intentioned. A national conversation of what it means to be American. A reminder of how lucky we are — through the eyes of the people who want to be a part of it.
I am equally proud of my Canadian citizenship and heritage. It is an honor to be a citizen of both countries. I look forward to more updates on this in the future.”
While McLaughlin denied claims that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem is actively pushing the show, The Daily Mail had previously reported her involvement — a point Worsoff disputed, clarifying that he has yet to speak directly with her.
The show, as described, would not impact the participants’ real-life immigration status — a critical distinction Worsoff emphasized. He aims to craft a “heartfelt series” that reframes immigration through optimism, patriotism, and personal storytelling, rather than fear or shame.
Still, the premise — turning the path to citizenship into televised competition — has drawn comparisons to dystopian fiction and reality TV’s often exploitative past.
Whether The American becomes a lightning rod or a national unifier may depend on how DHS ultimately rules on the pitch — and if the show ever makes it to air.
REELated:
CBS expands franchise faves for 2025–2026
