Compete for US citizenship on TV?
May 17, 2025
New York [USA], May 17: Asked to comment on the program, which rewards US citizenship , the US Department of Homeland Security said the idea had not yet been approved or rejected, and each proposal goes through a rigorous review process before a final decision is made, AFP reported on May 17.
"We need to revive patriotism and civic responsibility in this country, and we are happy to consider these 'unconventional' programs," said Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary of homeland security for foreign affairs.
The Wall Street Journal reports that the proposed reality TV show comes from Canadian-American Rob Worsoff, in which contestants would compete to prove which of them is most worthy of being an American citizen.
"This is not the Hunger Games for immigrants," the newspaper quoted Mr. Worsoff as saying, adding that the losers were not put on a plane to be deported from the US.
The 36-page plan for the show suggests that each episode will run for 60 minutes. For example, contestants will compete in a gold-digging competition, with the person who finds the most gold in a mine winning.
The reality show will kick off with a trip to Ellis Island, the traditional staging point for immigrants to the US, and each episode will see one person eliminated.
The news comes as former reality TV star and President Donald Trump moves to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for various immigrant groups in the US. Without this protection, they will be deported.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
