DHS Weighs Reality TV Show for Immigrants

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reviewing a reality TV pitch where immigrants would compete for American citizenship. The show, titled 'The American,' is pitched by Rob Worsoff, a Canadian immigrant and reality TV producer. Worsoff envisions the show as a 'positive love letter to America' where contestants would participate in challenges and a town-hall meeting-style vote to determine who would be granted citizenship. DHS has stated that the show is in the 'very beginning stages of the vetting process' and has not received approval or denial. Worsoff has had three conversations with DHS about his pitch and feels that they are 'trending in a good way.' The show's concept has been met with potential criticism that it may be 'punching down' on contestants, but Worsoff insists that it is an opportunity for contestants to 'jump to the front of the line' and that 'nobody loses.'

The Department of Homeland Security is considering a reality TV show where immigrants compete for U.S. citizenship through challenges based on American traditions and customs. The show, pitched by producer Rob Worsoff, aims to celebrate being American and revive civic duty. The agency is reviewing the idea, which has not yet reached Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

The Trump administration fired nearly 600 Voice of America employees, mostly journalists, in a move seen as part of its efforts to dismantle the federally funded news network despite a court ruling to maintain its news programming. The layoffs targeted contractors and were justified by the administration as 'rightsizing' the agency.