A program created and proposed by Rob Worsoff in which a group of migrants would compete against each other to obtain U.S. citizenship. Sounds like a game straight out of “Squid Game” or “The Hunger Games.” We’d like t2o think the world hasn’t gone that crazy and that it understands that not everything is acceptable, but the truth is this proposal has been serious. Very serious.
Its creator insists that it is “fun” and “educational” and that it’s far from being a cruel spectacle format. Although the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has denied it, it hasn’t closed the door to similar proposals.
Where does this reality come from?
Rob Worsoff, a Canadian writer and producer. This producer confirms that he hasn’t communicated directly with the DHS or with its secretary, Kristi Noem, but he has confirmed that he has received positive feedback from the DHS and is in preliminary talks with television networks.
Worsoff insists that it will be a program about knowledge of American culture and history, that his show would be far from “violent” or mocking anyone, and that, of course, no one would be fighting to the death for documents.
What has Kristi Noem said about it?
Daily Mail and other media outlets reported that the DHS was considering the proposal for this reality show, but the DHS confirmed the news was false. On X, the undersecretary, Tricia McLaughlin, wrote that the Daily Mail was failing in its journalistic duties and that the DHS wasn’t even aware of the proposal.
This is completely false. @DailyMail’s “reporting” is an affront to journalism. Secretary Noem has not “backed” or even aware of the pitch of any scripted or reality show. @DHSgov receives hundreds of television show pitches a year, ranging from documentaries surrounding ICE… https://t.co/srSBHYl3Vp
— Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) May 16, 2025
Officially denied?
The DHS stated that every year it receives hundreds of proposals for television programs, ranging from border operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to crime investigations carried out by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). But McLaughlin made it clear that every proposal received by the DHS is thoroughly analysed before it’s rejected or approved. However, if they aren’t aware of it, there’s little they can do.
But…
While it’s true that they denied considering this show at this very moment, the DHS undersecretary added that the government has the responsibility to “revitalize the patriotism and civic duty of this country”.
… Is this ethical?
Maybe this question is too personal to answer. Turning the naturalization process into a TV show basically makes fun of the real effort it takes for migrants to go through that process.
Even more so when we’re in a rather complicated context regarding migration, with increasing racism and fewer opportunities for those who are trying to seek a better life. Does a show really need to chase ratings at the cost of the emotions and humiliation of people who are looking for a way to improve their lives?
Of course, this raises a debate: is anything acceptable in order to “entertain” the rest of the population? Beyond whether the show has an educational and respectful approach… to what extent is it acceptable to turn such a sensitive topic like migration into entertainment content? And of course, one question arises: what role would the government play in these types of projects?
If we look back, in 2004 the show “Win the Green” was heavily criticized for taking advantage of migrants’ hopes and for making light of such a delicate issue as migration. And the truth is, no, not everything goes when it comes to making a show.
There are a thousand other ways to create content and programs that don’t toy with the dignity of those who weren’t afraid to leave their families behind in order to give them a better future.