DHS reviews controversial citizenship competition show idea, then revises public statement

Reality television producer Rob Worsoff has proposed a game show to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in which undocumented immigrants would compete for a chance to gain U.S. citizenship. 

If you're Latino, this pitch probably sounds familiar to a show you grew up watching with your family. In 2004, “Gana La Verde” was aired and it was a very controversial game show, especially for the Latino community. 

Contestants who appeared on the similar Fear Factor-style show were six undocumented Latinos competing against each other for the number one position and to win the ultimate prize, their “Green Card.” The show often tested the contestants' stomachs or willpower to eat all kinds of animal parts, even insects. They also had to compete in three different extreme stunts.

Unfortunately, the game show was being falsely advertised. Instead of automatically obtaining a green card, the winner of the show would only obtain legal help in the hopes of obtaining legal status.

The show not only aired in Los Angeles but also in San Diego, Houston and Dallas. The program was created by Lenard Liberman, produced and directed by Adrian Vallarino and hosted by Mexican action sports personality George X. By 2005 the show wrapped production after its third season.

21 years later, can a similar show be re-approved? According to The Wall Street Journal, television producer Worsoff says he has been pitching the idea for the show as far back as the Obama administration, but the project didn't come together. He also added that the show is meant to be hopeful and that contestants would be legal immigrants and that losing would not result in deportation.

Just today, the Department of Homeland Security put out a statement by Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin shutting down the rumors of the potential reality television show after it was said by the Daily Mail News that Secretary Kristi Noem supports the proposal of the show. 

“This is completely false. Daily Mail's 'reporting' is an affront to journalism. Secretary Noem has not 'backed' nor is even aware of the pitch of any scripted or reality show. DHS receives hundreds of television show pitches a year, ranging from documentaries surrounding ICE and CBP border operations to white collar investigations by HSI. Each proposal undergoes a thorough vetting process prior to denial or approval. We need to revive patriotism and civic duty in this country, and we're happy to review out-of-the-box pitches. This pitch has not received approval or rejection by staff,” said McLaughlin in the statement.

Since the first statement was released and reviewed by CALÓ News, McLaughlin’s quote has now been changed two hours later on the DHS website to the following quote:

“This is completely false. Daily Mail’s ‘reporting’ is an affront to journalism. Secretary Noem has not ‘backed’ nor is even aware of the pitch of any scripted or reality show. DHS receives hundreds of television show pitches a year, ranging from documentaries surrounding ICE and CBP border operations to white collar investigations by HSI. Each proposal undergoes a thorough vetting process prior to denial or approval. This pitch has not received approval or rejection by staff.”

However, according to Daily Mail News, the “outlined 35-page program is pitched and put together in coordination with the DHS secretary.”