Target: Kristi Noem, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security
Goal: Veto proposed reality show that would ask potential immigrants to compete for citizenship.
The process to become an American citizen “the right way” is often a years-long wait filled with hardships and challenges, including a comprehensive citizenship test that many American citizens could not pass. But this process is being seriously demeaned and degraded by a series of politized stunts, including a proposed “gold card,” wherein potential immigrants can earn an expedited trek to citizenship for the low price of five million dollars. Money also seems to talk in regards to wealthy white South Africans who have been flown to the United States as “refugees.” Meanwhile, the administration has announced a new travel ban targeting roughly a dozen lower-income nations that will restrict these countries’ citizens from even visiting the United States. Now comes word that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is seriously considering turning American citizenship into a game show.
A producer for proposed reality show The American has reportedly confirmed that talks have gone far with the department. The show’s pitch describes the project as a cross-country journey in which 12 contestants would stop in various cities and compete in regionally themed challenges, like rolling on a log. At the end of each episode, the contestants would gather for a “town hall” in which residents of the state would vote for their desired “winner.” By show’s end, one selected contestant would be granted citizenship.
DHS has sent mixed messages about supporting the show and even about its very existence. Sign the petition below to urge the department to keep this exploitative idea off its radar and off the airwaves.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Secretary Noem,
Nearly a million people go through a rigorous process each year in order to earn American citizenship. At a time when elected leaders are emphasizing the importance of honoring this process “the right way,” do not undermine your own argument by endorsing a reality/game show that would belittle this process. You have denied giving such an endorsement, but your employees have confirmed that the pitch and proposal does exist.
Do not greenlight a project that would only invite criticism and scrutiny and that would make light of the very real struggles naturalized citizens face.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Photographers Mate 3rd Class Michael D. Blackwell
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