In what sounds like a wild blend of Survivor and Jeopardy! with life-changing stakes, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reviewing a bold, controversial proposal: a reality TV game show where immigrants compete for American citizenship.
Yes, you read that right.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the idea—still in early consideration—was pitched by Canadian-American producer Rob Worsoff. The concept outlines a competition-style series in which immigrants face off in a series of skill and knowledge-based challenges. The winner? U.S. citizenship. The stakes are high, and one contestant would be eliminated in each episode.
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Worsoff has been quick to counter criticism, clarifying that this is not a cruel or exploitative spectacle.
“This isn’t ‘The Hunger Games’ for immigrants,” he told the Journal. “This is not, ‘Hey, if you lose, we are shipping you out on a boat out of the country.’”
The pitch includes a dramatic and symbolic start to the series: contestants arriving at Ellis Island, the historic entry point for millions of immigrants who came to America seeking a better life. From there, challenges would unfold in one-hour episodes, testing everything from teamwork to patriotism and technical skills.
Examples from the 36-page proposal deck include a “gold rush” competition, where contestants retrieve metal from a mine, and another where they work in teams to assemble a Model T car chassis—both nods to iconic moments in American history.
The DHS confirmed the pitch had been received but emphasized that it had not been approved—or rejected.
“Each proposal undergoes a thorough vetting process prior to denial or approval,” the agency said in a statement.
“We need to revive patriotism and civic duty in this country, and we’re happy to review out-of-the-box pitches,” added Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs.
The proposal has ignited fierce debate across the political spectrum. Some view it as an innovative approach to engage the public with the immigration conversation and American ideals. Others see it as trivializing an already fraught and deeply personal journey for those seeking citizenship.
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All of this unfolds amid the backdrop of ongoing immigration tensions in the U.S.—many stemming from the policies of President Donald Trump, himself a former reality TV star. Under his administration, DHS moved aggressively to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for citizens of countries like Afghanistan, Venezuela, and Haiti, stripping deportation protections that were previously granted due to war, natural disasters, or humanitarian crises.
Trump’s DHS also became notorious for high-profile immigration raids, increased arrests, and broader efforts to restrict legal pathways into the U.S.
Now, with the idea of turning immigration into a televised competition, critics are questioning whether the line between entertainment and policy is being dangerously blurred.
Though nothing is set in stone, one thing is certain: if greenlit, this show will spark a national conversation—and possibly a cultural firestorm.
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