You’ve seen dating shows. You’ve seen cooking shows. But how about a citizenship competition show?
This isn’t a sketch. This is reportedly a real thing being backed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem — a proposal for a reality TV show where immigrants would compete for a fast-track to U.S. citizenship.
And yes, government officials could serve as judges.
The show would be called The American, and it’s being pitched by a producer who’s worked on shows like Duck Dynasty and Millionaire Matchmaker. It would feature contestants traveling the country by train, participating in regionally-themed challenges like log-rolling in Wisconsin. (Because apparently, nothing screams “American Dream” like wet lumber and a competitive spirit.)
The creator — who is an immigrant himself — insists the show isn’t political. He claims, “I am merely trying to make a show that celebrates what it means to be American… through the eyes of the people who want it most.”
Here’s the kicker: The winner would be sworn in on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.
So yeah. We might be turning one of the most complex, emotionally charged paths in a person’s life — immigration — into a train-based, Capitol-finale, high-stakes TV competition.
Welcome to America, where even citizenship is getting a reality show spinoff.