According to reports, Kristi Noem, the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, has suggested starting a reality TV program in which aspiring migrants would compete in a cross-country race with the winner receiving a direct path to U.S. citizenship. The American, as the show is purportedly called, is still in its very early phases of development and has not yet received official approval or rejection.
The Daily Mail allegedly acquired a copy of a 35-page framework outlining Noem’s involvement with the show, albeit this may sound like a prank. According to the blueprint, Noem offered up a number of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officials to count votes.
For reaction, reporters reached out to the Department of Homeland Security. Rob Worsoff, the producer of Duck Dynasty, first proposed the concept, according to the Daily Mail.
The design called for the competitors to take part in a variety of “cultural” competitions, such as rolling logs in Wisconsin, while traveling throughout the United States by train. The contenders would arrive in Washington, D.C., at the end of the season, and the winner would be sworn in on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.
“Along the way, we will be reminded what it means to be American – through the eyes of the people who want it most,” read Worsoff’s pitch. The show’s producer, who was born in Canada, defended his pitch.
“I’m not affiliated with any political ideology,” he said. “As an immigrant myself, I am merely trying to make a show that celebrates the immigration process, celebrates what it means to be American, and has a national conversation about what it means to be American, through the eyes of the people who want it most.”
DHS chief spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin confirmed the pitch’s existence and stated that agency personnel were examining it and would be speaking with the producers the following week. Noem has not yet received a briefing on the plan, McLaughlin noted. This final statement contradicts information the outlet got, which states that the Trump official has been briefed and is, in fact, supportive of the show. “I think it’s a good idea,” commented McLaughlin.
Daily Mail reports that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem wants to create a reality TV show pitting immigrants against each other for the chance to get a fast-tracked U.S. citizenship pic.twitter.com/q5BORvemwL
— Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) May 16, 2025
The publication claims that while her employer, Donald Trump, continues to crack down on illegal immigration, Noem has been eager to highlight what it means to be an American. Noem and her colleagues have been negotiating with several streaming services for weeks to get such a scheme approved, according to the Daily Mail.
Some DHS employees, however, have expressed concerns about the potential optics of making the situation of immigrants into a reality TV program. It occurs at a time when Noem is already dealing with the impression that she prioritizes maintaining her reputation over carrying out her duty to defend the country and combat illegal immigration.
“When will Secretary Noem stop prioritizing staged photo ops and media stunts,” one source asked. “The focus on self-promotion is undermining our ability to deliver on President Trump’s deportation mandate. We need leadership committed to logistics and results, not financial gain or reality show theatrics.”
🥴 She’s been called ‘ICE Barbie’ for treating her Cabinet position like a TV production, but now Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is pushing for an actual reality show pitting immigrants against each other ‘for the honor of fast-tracking their way to U.S. citizenship’.… pic.twitter.com/GpDreIatxW
— Melissa Hallman (@dotconnectinga) May 15, 2025
Worsoff lists Ukrainian-born Mila Kunis, Canadian Ryan Reynolds, and Colombian-born Sofia Vergara as potential hosts who would greet the pre-screened migrants on Ellis Island in New York. While viewers learn about the contestants, the contestants would board the train and travel to each of the 50 states to meet “interesting Americans” and discover the history, culture, and peculiarities of each state.
“We’ll join in the laughter, tears, frustration, and joy – hearing their backstories – as we are reminded how amazing it is to be American, through the eyes of 12 wonderful people who want nothing more than to have what we have,” reads the pitch. The immigrants would be divided into teams that’d face off in one-hour episodes.
