Reality Show Pitch Offers U.S. Citizenship as Grand Prize

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reportedly reviewing a proposal for a reality television show that would award American citizenship to the winning contestant. The proposed show, tentatively titled *The American*, would feature immigrants competing in challenges that test their knowledge of U.S. history, culture, and values.

The concept was pitched by Canadian producer Rob Swartz, a reality TV veteran behind shows like *Duck Dynasty* and *The Millionaire Matchmaker*. According to leaked planning documents obtained by media outlets, the idea is to create a program that both entertains and educates while offering a real-life immigration reward.

Under the proposed format, contestants would participate in tasks simulating the American experience — from founding-father trivia to volunteering in their communities. Finalists would appear before a panel of judges that includes naturalized citizens, historians, and possibly even former immigrants who achieved success in the U.S.

DHS officials confirmed that the proposal was submitted and is undergoing internal discussion, though no official decision has been made. In a statement, a spokesperson noted: “While DHS continues to explore creative outreach methods, any policy change or immigration benefit must comply with federal law and be administered fairly.”

The pitch has drawn mixed reactions. Critics have called it dystopian, arguing that turning immigration into entertainment trivializes the naturalization process. Others see it as an innovative way to raise awareness of the challenges immigrants face and to humanize a politically fraught issue.

Swartz defended the idea in interviews, saying, “This is not about exploiting immigration — it’s about celebrating what it means to become an American. It’s about creating a national conversation around values, responsibility, and belonging.”

Whether *The American* makes it to air remains to be seen, but the very idea has already sparked intense public and political debate.