Key Takeaways
• DHS denied Secretary Kristi Noem’s involvement in the proposed reality show “The American” awarding citizenship.
• “The American” is only a pitch; 12 vetted immigrants would compete in state challenges for fast-track citizenship.
• DHS rigorously reviews hundreds of show pitches annually; no decision has been made on “The American.”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a firm denial of claims that Secretary Kristi Noem is supporting or involved in any way with a planned reality show called “The American,” where immigrants would compete for United States 🇺🇸 citizenship. This statement comes after various media outlets reported on the idea, sparking confusion and widespread reactions across the country.
What Prompted the Controversy?
The story began when news sources covered a proposal from producer Rob Worsoff. He has previously worked on TV shows like “Duck Dynasty.” Worsoff pitched a new reality show idea named “The American.” This show would bring together 12 immigrant contestants who have already been carefully checked (“pre-vetted”). These contestants would:
– Arrive at Ellis Island in New York City on a special boat called “The Citizen Ship”
– Travel by train cross-country on “The American,” stopping in different states
– Take part in challenges in each state that are meant to test or show their “American spirit”
Examples of the challenges suggested for the show include balancing logs in Wisconsin and building and launching rockets at Cape Canaveral in Florida. The goal is for the contestants to prove their knowledge of the United States 🇺🇸, their work ethic, and how well they fit with The American way of life.
The prize for the winner is the most talked-about part: a fast-track to United States 🇺🇸 citizenship. Those who do not win would not go away empty-handed. Reports mention that they would get “iconically American” prizes—like points for plane tickets on American Airlines, gift cards for Starbucks coffee, and even a lifetime supply of gasoline. Additionally, it has been said that all contestants would get some advantage in the regular citizenship process.
Homeland Security’s Direct Response
Rumors quickly spread that Secretary Kristi Noem was involved, with some claiming she even supported the show. This led to outrage in some circles and excitement in others. In response, Tricia McLaughlin, who is the Assistant Secretary for public affairs at DHS, released several statements.
She said clearly, “This is completely false. Secretary Noem has not ‘backed’ nor is even aware of the pitch of any scripted or reality show.” She pointed out that the department gets “hundreds of television show pitches a year” about different topics. Every pitch, she explained, is put through “a thorough vetting process prior to denial or approval.”
About Worsoff’s show specifically, DHS stated that it had not been approved or rejected yet. It is simply sitting in the early stages of the internal review process. They have not yet decided what will happen with it. In one official online statement, DHS even called The Daily Mail’s reporting about Secretary Noem’s involvement “an affront to journalism.” They used the phrase “FAKE NEWS FRIDAY: DHS Torches Latest Media Hoax” to make their position clear.
If you want to learn more about how DHS handles these media proposals or their official affairs, you can visit the DHS Newsroom.
The Producer’s Viewpoint
Rob Worsoff, the man behind the idea, is Canadian by birth. In an interview with CNN on May 16, 2025, he defended his vision. Worsoff called the show “a wonderful celebration of America.” He explained, “This is not The Hunger Games” (referring to the popular but violent movie series) and said, “not a cruel endeavor aimed at deporting individuals.”
He also shared that he had tried to sell similar reality show ideas before, even during times when Democrats were leading the government. Worsoff wanted to make it clear that the show isn’t about punishing or excluding people. Instead, he hopes it would shine a light on what it means to be The American and the journey so many immigrants take to become citizens. He said he himself feels “very fortunate, lucky, and honored to be an American.”
The Political and Social Context
The proposal arrives at a tense time for immigration in the United States 🇺🇸. The Trump administration’s rules—such as mass raids on immigrant communities and many deportations—have led to heated debates. People on both sides of the political spectrum have strong feelings about what is fair and just in immigration policy.
For many, the idea of turning the citizenship process into a TV competition is troubling. Some argue it seems to make light of a process that, for many families, involves years of waiting, large expenses, and a great deal of stress and effort. Critics say this kind of show could make the serious act of becoming an American citizen look like a game.
On the other hand, supporters of the idea say it’s a creative way to bring attention to The American dream and might help people better understand what immigrants go through. Worsoff points to “The American spirit” as the heart of his idea, wishing to highlight the national pride and hard work of people trying to become citizens.
How Reality Television and Citizenship Intersect
Reality shows have long covered all kinds of topics, from cooking to survival to romance. But rarely has there been talk about making citizenship, a legal and deeply personal process, the focus of entertainment television.
If “The American” ever reaches the screen, it could be the first show to bring these two worlds together. Because citizenship is a legal status that grants many rights and responsibilities, turning it into a contest brings up questions:
- Is it fair to offer one person a shortcut to citizenship by winning a TV competition, while so many others wait in line for years?
- Does rewarding losing contestants with “advantages in the traditional citizenship process” treat all immigrants equally?
- Could this type of show shape public views about immigrants in positive or negative ways?
- Would it encourage more people to immigrate to the United States 🇺🇸 in hopes of being picked for a TV show?
These are the sorts of questions being discussed as news about the proposal spreads.
The Real Challenges of the U.S. Citizenship Process
Applying for citizenship in the United States 🇺🇸 is a difficult journey for many immigrants. First, one must usually spend years as a permanent resident, holding a “green card.” They then must file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, and go through application fees, wait times, background checks, fingerprint appointments, interviews, and tests of English and United States 🇺🇸 civics. Many also must show proof of continual residence and good moral character. If you would like more details on the standard process, the official USCIS Citizenship Resource Center is the recognized authority.
The pitched idea, if it progressed, could make some people see gaining citizenship as entertainment or a game, which could be a concern for those who have gone through the regular process.
DHS’s Media Vetting and Standard Procedures
According to the statements from DHS, every year the department gets “hundreds of television show pitches.” These can deal with all kinds of subjects—from border security to day-to-day operations of the department. Every single one, the officials say, goes through careful checks. Staff ask questions like:
- Does the show put anyone’s private information at risk?
- Could it hurt or embarrass DHS employees, immigrants, or the public?
- Does it respect federal laws and the careful, fair running of government programs?
No show gets approved unless it passes all safety and privacy checks. The pitch for “The American” is still in the early steps of this process. DHS has not given any date for a final decision.
McLaughlin, speaking on behalf of the department, wanted people to know that sometimes the media gets things wrong. When reporters publish before they get their facts checked, it causes unnecessary worry and confusion. DHS stressed that this is what happened with the rumors about Kristi Noem and the proposed show.
The Power of Media in Shaping Immigration Talk
This story shows how quickly news—even when it is based on rumors rather than facts—can move through the public. It also shows why careful journalism matters so much. Readers, immigrants, and even longtime citizens rely on clear facts when talking about policies of Homeland Security or other government departments.
DHS’s strong denial of the claims about Secretary Noem shows how important it is for the department to combat what they call “false reporting.” They have made transparency with the public a top priority, making sure people get reliable information on everything from immigration rules to vetting for media requests.
Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that the interplay between entertainment, media, and immigration policy is likely to keep growing as television producers seek new ideas for programming that highlight what it means to be part of The American dream.
What’s Next for “The American” and Immigration TV?
For now, DHS has not made a final decision about the TV pitch from Worsoff. Secretary Noem is not involved in the project, according to all current public information. McLaughlin and other DHS officials have said they will continue to follow their usual review process for any show proposals, without special treatment due to media attention.
If the show never gets approved, it would simply remain one of many concepts that do not move forward after review. If it somehow does get approved, it will still need to address many questions about fairness, respect for the immigration process, and public image.
People continue to discuss the idea online, in communities, and among policymakers. The debate reaches beyond just one TV pitch. It raises concerns about the wider state of immigration policy, the power of storytelling, and the need for fairness for all who wish to become part of the United States 🇺🇸.
Key Points and Takeaways
- The Department of Homeland Security, through Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, denies any involvement by Secretary Kristi Noem in the reality show proposal known as “The American.”
- The show is still only a pitch, not an approved project. DHS reviews hundreds of television pitches each year and applies strict processes before accepting or denying any proposal.
- “The American” would feature 12 immigrants competing in state-themed challenges for a fast track to citizenship. Non-winners would get symbolic American prizes and possible advantages in regular citizenship procedures.
- Producer Rob Worsoff says his intent is positive and that his own experience as an immigrant inspired the idea.
- The proposal comes at a time when immigration issues, especially under the Trump administration, are especially debated.
- Concerns raised include whether it’s appropriate to turn the citizenship process into a competition, fairness for those waiting in the traditional system, and whether such a show would help or harm the public view of immigrants.
- DHS encourages people to rely on official sources for accurate information about media proposals and immigration policies.
For anyone interested in the real process for naturalization, including forms, requirements, and timelines, always check official U.S. government resources. Public conversations around immigration are complex and shaped by both facts and opinions, so it’s important to stay informed with trustworthy sources.
Learn Today
Naturalization → The legal process by which a non-citizen becomes a citizen of a country, involving applications and tests.
DHS (Department of Homeland Security) → A U.S. federal agency overseeing national security, immigration, and the vetting of media projects like TV shows.
Green Card → A permit allowing a non-citizen to live and work permanently in the United States.
Vetting Process → Careful investigation and examination done by authorities to evaluate the suitability of proposals, people, or projects.
Form N-400 → The official application form submitted to begin the process of becoming a naturalized United States citizen.
This Article in a Nutshell
Homeland Security has denied any connection between Secretary Kristi Noem and the reality show pitch “The American.” The proposed show, featuring 12 vetted immigrants competing for citizenship, remains only a concept. All media pitches undergo thorough DHS review with no decision currently made. Official sources advise caution regarding related rumors.
— By VisaVerge.com
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