Idea of ​TV show with immigrants competing for citizenship discussed in US

The US Department of Homeland Security is reportedly considering an “out-of-the-box” pitch to participate in a television game show that would have immigrants compete to obtain US citizenship, The Guardian writes, referring to The New York Times.

As noted, the show would include challenges based on American traditions.

Department spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin described the pitch as a “celebration of being an American,” adding that “this pitch has not received approval or rejection by staff.”

News of the project surfaced as Donald Trump carries out a sprawling immigration crackdown that has ensnared undocumented immigrants as well as lawful permanent residents, refugees and those with temporary status and pending court cases. In some cases, US citizen children have been deported alongside an undocumented parent.

Overseeing the deportation effort as homeland security secretary is Kristi Noem, the former governor of South Dakota who has drawn sharp criticism for her “made-for-TV”-style approach to immigration enforcement. Shortly after she was sworn in, Noem appeared in tactical gear for a ride-along with immigration agents. She also traveled to El Salvador, where, well-coiffed and wearing a $50,000 Rolex watch, she posed in a notorious prison housing hundreds of men.

The idea for the reality show was pitched by Rob Worsoff, the Canadian-born producer and writer who worked on Duck Dynasty, a reality TV show about a Louisiana hunting family popular with Trump supporters.