The United States Department of Homeland Security is exploring the possibility of participating in a new television project — a reality show in which immigrants will compete for the right to obtain American citizenship, the department’s press service reported, citing the words of press secretary Tricia McLaughlin, and also reported by The Wall Street Journal.
The idea for the show, tentatively titled "The American," belongs to producer and writer Rob Warsoff, who is himself an immigrant from Canada. The concept for the project dates back to the presidency of Barack Obama, but has only now received its first positive response from the American authorities.
McLaughlin said the department has not yet made a final decision on whether to support the project, but is actively reviewing the proposal and conducting a thorough review.
“Each new proposal undergoes a comprehensive analysis before it is approved or rejected,” the agency representative noted.
The reality show follows the participants, immigrants seeking to become US citizens, as they travel across the country by train. During the trip, they will take part in various competitions and challenges related to American history, science, culture and civic responsibilities.
The author of the idea himself emphasizes that the show has nothing to do with dramatization or dangerous tests. “This is not the ‘Hunger Games for immigrants,’” says Warsoff. “No one is deported, and the losers are not sent anywhere by force. This is a project about what it means to be an American — through the eyes of those who want it most.”
The reality show's finale is planned to be a major public event, with the winner of the show taking the oath of office as a U.S. citizen on the steps of the Capitol in Washington. Warsoff has already held preliminary talks with several major networks and says his goal is not political, but cultural and educational.
“I am not affiliated with any ideology,” the producer explains. “My desire is to create a show that celebrates immigration and inspires discussions about national identity.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is personally involved in the concept and promotion of the television project, according to sources told The Wall Street Journal.
Thus, although the final decision on launching the reality show has not yet been made, its idea is already generating wide public resonance and interest in the United States.