Key Takeaways
• DHS Secretary Kristi Noem denied any reality TV show plans on May 20, 2025 Senate hearing.
• A media producer pitched a citizenship competition show, but DHS has no involvement or support.
• DHS routinely reviews many media proposals; none approved without high-level vetting and oversight.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has firmly pushed back against claims that it is planning a reality TV show featuring immigrants competing for United States citizenship. Secretary Kristi Noem, currently leading the DHS, made a clear statement during a Senate hearing on May 20, 2025, that there are “no plans whatsoever to do a reality show.” This direct response came after stories began circulating in mid-May about a possible DHS-backed show called “The American.” The proposed show, as described in news reports, involved immigrants traveling across the country and completing challenges for a chance to win naturalization. Secretary Noem’s unambiguous denial aims to clarify any confusion and correct the public record.
The Reports Causing the Response
The claims about a DHS reality TV show began with a Daily Mail article published in mid-May. The article referred to a supposed pitch made by television producer Rob Worsoff, who is known for his work on “Duck Dynasty.” According to the article, the reality show would follow immigrants as they undertake regional challenges across the United States, with the winner receiving United States citizenship in Washington, D.C.
This idea captured widespread attention due to its unusual nature and the emotional topic of immigration. However, as more details emerged, questions began to surface regarding the accuracy of the report and the actual involvement of the Department of Homeland Security.
Secretary Kristi Noem Addresses the Claims
During her testimony before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on May 20, 2025, Secretary Kristi Noem was asked directly about the reports and her department’s role. Senator Richard Blumenthal questioned Secretary Noem, seeking clarification on whether her office was aware of or supporting any plans for such a reality TV show.
Noem responded clearly: “Sir, we have no knowledge of a reality show. There may have been something submitted to the department, but I did not know anything about this until the reporter reached out.” She added that neither she nor her executive team had any prior involvement or knowledge about the pitch described in the news reports. According to Secretary Noem, if any proposal was submitted, it did not reach her level of oversight, further stressing that the story did not reflect agency policy or activity.
The Department’s Official Statement
The Department of Homeland Security released a public statement on May 17 to confront the continuing rumors. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin described the Daily Mail report as “completely false.” She also called the article “an affront to journalism,” pushing back against speculation and underscoring that “Secretary Noem has not ‘backed’ nor is even aware of the pitch of any scripted or reality show.”
In this statement, the Department made it clear that the story was not only inaccurate but had also misrepresented both the position of Secretary Noem and the processes within DHS. This forceful denial was part of DHS’s routine efforts to counter what it considers misinformation or misleading news stories.
How Does DHS Handle TV Show Pitches?
It is not unusual for large government agencies like the Department of Homeland Security to receive pitches for television shows, documentaries, or scripted series. Every year, DHS reviews hundreds of such proposals. These are often submitted by media producers who want to build stories about the work or mission of the department, or simply to use its name and setting as part of their program.
For DHS, there is a specific internal process to read and sort these pitches. Most are reviewed and responded to by public affairs officials, but very few—if any—make it to the highest levels of decision-making. Many pitches are never acted upon, and some may be acknowledged only with a routine reply. Secretary Noem highlighted this by saying, “that spokesperson was completely misquoted,” disputing the article’s suggestion that the proposal was under serious consideration.
This internal process prevents any proposal from being acted upon or supported without high-level vetting and approval. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the department maintains a vetting process for media requests to ensure security and accuracy in all portrayals and interactions.
Producer’s Viewpoint and Past Pitches
The story’s producer, Rob Worsoff, who has built a reputation with shows like “Duck Dynasty,” reportedly told journalists he never spoke with Secretary Noem about this reality TV idea. Instead, he claimed to have had “three high-level conversations with DHS officials” about the idea. He also said he had been pitching similar reality show ideas since the Obama administration.
Worsoff’s description highlights that media producers often send proposals to various government agencies, hoping to find interest or approval. However, the simple act of submitting a proposal does not mean the agency is actively working on or supporting the project.
Political and Public Reactions
The notion of a government agency like the Department of Homeland Security sponsoring a reality TV competition tied to the path to citizenship drew widespread, and at times sharp, responses. The reality TV show idea seemed unusual when paired with such a serious and often emotional issue as immigration.
For many, the prospect of turning the path to United States citizenship into a television competition felt insensitive, with concerns about whether such a format might make light of the challenges many immigrants face. Advocacy groups, government officials, and members of the public questioned the idea’s appropriateness. Others worried about fairness, dignity, and the message it would send about the naturalization process.
By strongly denying any involvement, Secretary Noem and the DHS worked to ease these concerns. Her clear message was that the department is committed to its work on border security, immigration law, and citizenship through formal, careful processes rather than television campaigns.
DHS’s Role in U.S. Citizenship
The Department of Homeland Security is responsible for many aspects of United States immigration, including the naturalization of new citizens. The agency’s United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) manages application reviews, background checks, interviews, and the official oath ceremonies for new citizens.
Citizenship is granted through a careful, rule-based process. Applicants must meet certain requirements, including living in the country for a set period, demonstrating the ability to read, write, and speak English, and passing a civics test. The final step is a formal oath ceremony, which is an important and meaningful event for those becoming Americans.
For those interested in the actual process of naturalization, the DHS provides all necessary information through official channels like the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center, ensuring people have reliable guidance and resources for every step.
The Importance of Fact-Checking and Responsible Reporting
This situation has sparked wider conversations about responsible media reporting and the spread of incorrect information. When stories are widely shared without solid facts, the public can quickly become confused. Agencies like DHS work hard to counter stories they believe are “completely false,” as with this reality TV show claim.
Secretary Noem’s remarks, reinforced by Assistant Secretary McLaughlin’s statements, show that the highest levels of DHS are committed to clear communication. They want to make sure the public is not misled by incorrect or exaggerated reports.
It’s also worth noting that DHS’s statement called the reporting “an affront to journalism.” This strong language signals the agency’s demand for accuracy and highlights the importance of confirming facts before publishing high-impact stories.
What This Means for Immigrants and the Public
The fast correction from DHS means that immigrants hoping to become citizens should expect the process to remain unchanged. There is no television competition, and no planned changes to the path for naturalization. Instead, applicants will continue with the established process—submitting forms, attending interviews, and, for those approved, attending an oath ceremony.
For employers, lawyers, and others who work closely with immigrants, the reassurance from Secretary Noem and her department means there is no new path that would increase uncertainty or introduce unusual requirements like media participation.
The incident also highlights the need to rely on official sources and reputable immigration sites like VisaVerge.com for updates, rather than believing stories that may not stand up to real-world scrutiny.
The Ongoing Role of the Department of Homeland Security
As head of the DHS, Secretary Kristi Noem’s strong denial underscores the agency’s commitment to upholding its responsibilities. The agency’s main focus remains on the safety of the United States 🇺🇸, managing immigration according to laws and established policies. Media requests and outside proposals, including pitches for TV shows, are handled through routine, secure processes that rarely reach the highest level of decision-making.
The story also suggests that misconceptions or rumors can quickly gain traction, especially when they combine popular entertainment trends, like a reality TV show, with emotional topics like citizenship.
Looking Ahead
Moving forward, it is likely that DHS will continue to review pitches and proposals from media producers, as it always has. However, the agency has signaled it will promptly and firmly address any incorrect reports, especially those that could potentially confuse or alarm the public about the country’s immigration system.
Secretary Noem’s leadership, with her insistence on transparency and accuracy, can be expected to guide how the department manages future media inquiries. For immigrants and the public, the key message remains simple: the path to becoming a citizen of the United States 🇺🇸 remains the same, and all changes or updates to the process will be communicated through official DHS channels.
Summary and Key Takeaways
- Secretary Kristi Noem and the Department of Homeland Security have denied any plans to produce or support a reality TV show competition for United States citizenship.
- The idea stemmed from a television producer’s pitch, not from any active policy or project within DHS.
- The department handles hundreds of such proposals every year, but few reach senior officials, and none are pursued without proper review.
- Media reports that spread without solid facts can cause unnecessary worry or confusion, highlighting the need to rely on trustworthy sources and direct statements from agencies.
- The path to citizenship remains unchanged. There are no shortcuts or television contests. For reliable information, readers should always refer to official government resources or reputable immigration news platforms.
This incident is a reminder to always check the facts and seek out clear, official answers when it comes to immigration news. For accurate resources on the naturalization process and official updates, visit the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center.
If you are considering applying for citizenship or have questions about the Department of Homeland Security, it is wise to follow official DHS updates and consult trusted immigration sites like VisaVerge.com, ensuring your information is always correct and up to date.
Learn Today
Department of Homeland Security → U.S. federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement and national security.
Secretary Kristi Noem → Current head of DHS leading immigration and border security policies.
Naturalization → Legal process by which a non-citizen gains U.S. citizenship after meeting requirements.
Reality TV show → Unscripted television program involving real people competing or participating in challenges.
USCIS → United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, agency managing citizenship applications and ceremonies.
This Article in a Nutshell
DHS firmly denied rumors of a reality TV show granting citizenship, emphasizing formal, legal naturalization processes remain unchanged. Secretary Noem clarified no DHS involvement, countering misinformation to ensure public trust in immigration procedures and uphold dignity for immigrants seeking citizenship.
— By VisaVerge.com
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