'Not Hunger Games for Migrants': Producer Behind Controversial Reality Show Being Considered by DHS Defends Pitch

The producer behind a proposed reality show based on immigrants competing for expedited legal status has defended the idea, which caused controversy over the past days.

In a new interview with NewsNation, Rob Worsoff claimed the show would be a "celebration of America in the most positive possible way."

The proposed show made headlines last week after it was revealed that it is under consideration by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). According to the original report, initially revealed by The Daily Mail, pre-vetted immigrants would compete in challenges across the United States for expedited legal status. Titled The American, it aims to blend televised entertainment with the immigration process.

Worsoff told NewsNation that the show is intended as a tribute to American ideals, not a spectacle. "This is not 'Hunger Games' for migrants," he told the outlet. "All I'm offering is to jump to the front of the line." He emphasized that all participants would already be in the U.S. immigration system and pre-screened for eligibility. The winner would gain expedited processing for legal status, while runners-up would also receive faster consideration.

The show would follow twelve contestants as they arrive at Ellis Island and board a train called "The Citizen Ship," traveling the country and competing in themed tasks designed to highlight elements of American history, industry, and culture.

Losing contestants would go home with "iconically American" prizes, which wre suggested to include a million American Airlines points, a $10,000 Starbucks gift card, and a lifetime supply of 76 gasoline.

Worsoff also stated that the pitch had been presented to the Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations in previous years ,and that all three were receptive to the idea, but it didn't come to fruition.

The show's concept has raised concerns among immigration experts and commentators who question the optics of framing legal residency as the outcome of a game show. Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro called it "a sick idea" during the weekend.