US Department of Homeland Security considers reality TV show where immigrants compete for citizenship

WASHINGTON

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is considering a proposal for a reality television show in which immigrants would compete in challenges for a chance at US citizenship, according to a report on Friday.

The concept, pitched by Canadian-born producer Rob Worsoff—whose previous work includes the reality show Duck Dynasty—features immigrants already in the system competing in contests that could include American history and science, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported.

Worsoff said the show is intended to be a “hopeful” celebration of American citizenship.

“This isn’t ‘The Hunger Games’ for immigrants,” he told the WSJ, stressing that losing contestants would not face deportation.

DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin confirmed the proposal is under initial review.

It’s “in the very beginning stages of that vetting process,” she was quoted as saying in the report, adding: “Each proposal undergoes a thorough vetting process prior to denial or approval.”