Proposed TV show would feature immigrants competing for citizenship—here’s what’s behind “The American”
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A new reality show concept is generating buzz in both political and entertainment circles—not just because of who's behind it, but because of the sensitive topic it aims to explore.
Tentatively titled The American, the proposed series is still in development, but early descriptions suggest it could take a very different approach to showcasing the immigrant experience.
With elements of travel, competition, and personal storytelling, the format is already prompting strong reactions.
Backed by television producer Rob Worsoff and developed in coordination with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the project is drawing a mix of curiosity and criticism.
Supporters say it could start meaningful conversations about national identity.
Others are questioning whether a subject as important as citizenship should be tied to entertainment at all.
As the concept takes shape, one thing is clear: The American is tapping into deeper questions about what it means to become part of this country—and how those stories are told.
According to a 35-page proposal obtained by the Daily Mail, The American would feature 12 pre-screened contestants arriving at Ellis Island aboard a ship called “The Citizen Ship.”
From there, they would travel by train across the country, participating in challenges inspired by regional history and culture.
Sample competitions include:
Each episode would include a challenge, a town hall meeting, and a group vote.
The winner would take part in a swearing-in ceremony at the US Capitol.
The remaining contestants—also vetted for eligibility—would reportedly receive priority in the traditional citizenship process.
The project was developed by television producer Rob Worsoff—known for his work on Duck Dynasty and Bravo’s Millionaire Matchmaker—in coordination with Secretary Noem’s office.
While some have characterized the proposal as politically charged, those involved describe it as a celebration of immigration and national identity.
“As an immigrant myself, I’m not trying to push a political message,” Worsoff said.
“I just want to show what it means to become American—through the stories of people who’ve made that choice.”
The pitch outlines potential hosts who are naturalized citizens, such as Sofia Vergara, Ryan Reynolds, or Mila Kunis.
Contestants would receive personalized baseball gloves as welcome gifts and share their backgrounds as they experience different parts of the country.
Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, confirmed that agency staff had discussed the proposal with producers.
While she noted that Secretary Noem had not yet been fully briefed, McLaughlin added, “I think it’s a good idea.”
Sources familiar with the development said Noem is supportive of the project and sees it as a way to open a national conversation around legal immigration.
Some DHS employees, however, have expressed concerns about the optics of blending entertainment and public policy.
This proposal comes at a time when immigration remains a key topic in American life.
While recent data shows a decline in illegal crossings, debates continue around how to best secure the border, streamline the legal process, and honor the country’s legacy as a nation of immigrants.
For supporters, The American could serve as a way to humanize the immigration process and celebrate the challenges and hopes of those who choose to become US citizens.
For others, it may raise concerns about tone and approach.
Some have questioned whether turning the process into a game show format could be seen as minimizing its seriousness.
Reality television has become a familiar platform in American culture and even politics.
From cooking competitions to travel documentaries, audiences have long tuned in to watch people take on challenges that reflect real-life situations.
The American would take this approach one step further—offering an inside look at the immigrant experience, while also providing a competitive element.
Whether viewers embrace the idea may depend on how it’s presented and how thoughtfully it portrays the individuals involved.
Whether or not The American makes it to air, the discussions it has sparked reflect deeper questions about identity, citizenship, and how we tell stories about becoming part of this country.
The concept has sparked both support and criticism, and it remains to be seen if it will move forward.
Read next: He had no idea millions were watching—the unbelievable true story of Japan’s unwitting reality TV star
Would you watch a show like The American? Do you think it could build understanding, or do you have concerns about the format? We’d love to hear your perspective. Share your thoughts in the comments below but please keep it respectful.
Tentatively titled The American, the proposed series is still in development, but early descriptions suggest it could take a very different approach to showcasing the immigrant experience.
With elements of travel, competition, and personal storytelling, the format is already prompting strong reactions.
Backed by television producer Rob Worsoff and developed in coordination with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the project is drawing a mix of curiosity and criticism.
Supporters say it could start meaningful conversations about national identity.
Others are questioning whether a subject as important as citizenship should be tied to entertainment at all.
As the concept takes shape, one thing is clear: The American is tapping into deeper questions about what it means to become part of this country—and how those stories are told.
Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, is drawing attention for her involvement in a proposed television project exploring themes of immigration and identity. Image Source: YouTube / U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
What is The American?
According to a 35-page proposal obtained by the Daily Mail, The American would feature 12 pre-screened contestants arriving at Ellis Island aboard a ship called “The Citizen Ship.”
From there, they would travel by train across the country, participating in challenges inspired by regional history and culture.
Sample competitions include:
- Rolling logs in Wisconsin
- Digging clams in Maine
- Launching a rocket in Cape Canaveral
- Building a Model T Ford chassis in Detroit
- Mining for gold in San Francisco
- Delivering mail by horseback between Missouri and Kansas
Each episode would include a challenge, a town hall meeting, and a group vote.
The winner would take part in a swearing-in ceremony at the US Capitol.
The remaining contestants—also vetted for eligibility—would reportedly receive priority in the traditional citizenship process.
Also read: Trump’s new immigration strategy offers $1,000 for those who choose to leave—here’s how it works
Who’s involved and what’s the goal?
The project was developed by television producer Rob Worsoff—known for his work on Duck Dynasty and Bravo’s Millionaire Matchmaker—in coordination with Secretary Noem’s office.
While some have characterized the proposal as politically charged, those involved describe it as a celebration of immigration and national identity.
“As an immigrant myself, I’m not trying to push a political message,” Worsoff said.
“I just want to show what it means to become American—through the stories of people who’ve made that choice.”
The pitch outlines potential hosts who are naturalized citizens, such as Sofia Vergara, Ryan Reynolds, or Mila Kunis.
Contestants would receive personalized baseball gloves as welcome gifts and share their backgrounds as they experience different parts of the country.
Also read: Flying soon? Check out the TSA's full list of approved IDs to avoid those dreaded airport delays!
How is the Department of Homeland Security involved?
Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, confirmed that agency staff had discussed the proposal with producers.
While she noted that Secretary Noem had not yet been fully briefed, McLaughlin added, “I think it’s a good idea.”
Sources familiar with the development said Noem is supportive of the project and sees it as a way to open a national conversation around legal immigration.
Some DHS employees, however, have expressed concerns about the optics of blending entertainment and public policy.
Television producer Rob Worsoff is collaborating on a proposed reality series that aims to highlight the immigrant experience in a new format. Image Source: Instagram / robworsoff.
Also read: Social Security flagged over 6,000 living immigrants as dead—under Trump team’s direction
A broader look at the conversation
This proposal comes at a time when immigration remains a key topic in American life.
While recent data shows a decline in illegal crossings, debates continue around how to best secure the border, streamline the legal process, and honor the country’s legacy as a nation of immigrants.
For supporters, The American could serve as a way to humanize the immigration process and celebrate the challenges and hopes of those who choose to become US citizens.
For others, it may raise concerns about tone and approach.
Some have questioned whether turning the process into a game show format could be seen as minimizing its seriousness.
Ryan Reynolds and Sofia Vergara have been named as potential hosts for "The American", a proposed reality series centered on the immigrant experience. Image Source: YouTube / ScreenSlam (left) and MaximoTV (right)
Also read: Is the federal workforce too large? Trump’s perspective and what you need to know
A look at reality TV in public life
Reality television has become a familiar platform in American culture and even politics.
From cooking competitions to travel documentaries, audiences have long tuned in to watch people take on challenges that reflect real-life situations.
The American would take this approach one step further—offering an inside look at the immigrant experience, while also providing a competitive element.
Whether viewers embrace the idea may depend on how it’s presented and how thoughtfully it portrays the individuals involved.
Log rolling is one of several regionally inspired challenges reportedly featured in the proposed reality series "The American". Image Source: YouTube / @Xmen171.
Whether or not The American makes it to air, the discussions it has sparked reflect deeper questions about identity, citizenship, and how we tell stories about becoming part of this country.
The concept has sparked both support and criticism, and it remains to be seen if it will move forward.
Read next: He had no idea millions were watching—the unbelievable true story of Japan’s unwitting reality TV star
Would you watch a show like The American? Do you think it could build understanding, or do you have concerns about the format? We’d love to hear your perspective. Share your thoughts in the comments below but please keep it respectful.
