Is this the nadir of US immigration policy, commodifying the struggles of, or just a way to fast track the immigration process while entertaining the masses?
What is the purpose of the show?
In a time defined by mass deportations and increasingly harsh immigration policies, the concept of a reality show where legal immigrants compete for US citizenship – reportedly titled The American – feels intentionally provocative to say the least. According to CNN and Newsweek, the show is ostensibly intended to celebrate the immigrant journey and highlight core American values such as freedom, opportunity, and national pride.
Rob Worsoff, known for producing suck popular reality shows as Duck Dynasty, aims to offer an “emotional and inspiring” look at what it means to become American, honoring immigrants by sharing their personal stories and showcasing the challenges and hopes that come with pursuing citizenship.
As an immigrant himself, Worsoff hopes to honor others by sharing their personal stories — highlighting both the challenges they face and the hopes that drive them. “America will fall in love with you,” he promises, adding, “there’s no going backwards in the process, only forward,” and, “anyone with half a brain would want to do this.” While the show aims to remind viewers of the freedoms and opportunities often taken for granted, critics have raised concerns about this struggle to find a home in the land of opportunities into televised entertainment.
When (and if) is the show going to air?
Despite the shows specific details being discussed by both policymakers and journalists, whether it will every make it to the air is uncertain. CNN reported that the show is still in the very early stages of the vetting process and has not yet received approval or denial from staff. Multiple sources claimed that Department of Homeland Security official Kristi Noem supported the show; however, her spokesperson denies any knowledge. The information remains unclear, but a outline has been reviewed, and in due time, the show will either start filming or be quietly nixed. As of now, nothing is official.
How is the show intended to work?
- Contestants: Twelve legal immigrants from diverse backgrounds are carefully selected to represent a broad demographic.
- Arrival: Contestants begin the show arriving at Ellis Island aboard “The Citizen Ship,” where a celebrity host presents them with personalized baseball gloves.
- Travel: The group travels across the country by train, exploring various regions.
- Challenges: Contestants face heritage-themed challenges unique to each location, such as the gold rush in San Francisco, pizza-making in New York, log balancing in Wisconsin, and rocket building in Cape Canaveral.
- Episode Format: Each episode includes a heritage challenge, an elimination round, a town-hall-style discussion, and public voting by viewers from different states.
- Voting: People from various states cast votes to decide which contestant best represents their state and deserves citizenship.
- Consolation Prizes: Contestants who are eliminated receive generous rewards, including a million airline miles, a $10,000 Starbucks gift card, or free gas for life.
- Final Outcome: The winner is granted US citizenship, while those who lose are not subject to deportation.
What is our conclusion?
From the perspective of immigration, the idea of turning the path to American citizenship into a reality show departs from centuries of tradition dating back to the late 19th century. While it might make for compelling television, immigration is a serious legal and personal journey, and portraying it as a game risks trivializing the real struggles people face.
Are we reducing a life-altering legal process to comedy and trivia, or is there a way to preserve its gravity while blending it with entertainment? The concept also raises serious privacy concerns, as applicants might be pushed to publicly expose traumatic or deeply personal histories for audience appeal. Moreover, framing citizenship as a contest could further erode public trust in the fairness and integrity of our immigration institutions.
The fact that such a show is even being considered is telling about our media culture and political moment. Where do we draw the line between celebration and exploitation, entertainment and ethics?
Whatever comes next, one thing is clear: The American says as much about us as the audience as it does about the emerging “reality show politics”.
Article by Lindsay Cohen
