From Reality Tea to Capitol Hill, everyone is talking about this proposed immigrant reality show, where contestants would compete to gain United States citizenship. There’s a 35-page pitch document outlining exactly how the show would work, with the season ending in a live finale on the steps of the US Capitol.
Although initial reports indicated that Kristi Noem, Donald Trump’s Homeland Security Secretary, had been pushing for immigration-based content, she just told lawmakers that she knew nothing about this reality show. It sounds like it isn’t happening after all.
Kristi Noem has “no knowledge” of immigrant reality TV show
According to the original report from Daily Mail, a former Millionaire Matchmaker producer devised the idea of an immigrant reality show. Supposedly, this show wasn’t based on any particular “political ideology.” They just wanted it to be about celebrating the spirit of America.
The producer suggested sending immigrants across the country by train and having them compete in challenges. One example was having the contestants descend into mines to look for gold. Throughout the series, they’d win prizes that relate to American culture, like Starbucks gift cards.
For obvious reasons, the idea of pitting immigrants against each other for entertainment purposes raised eyebrows across the political spectrum. During a recent Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing, Senator Richard Blumenthal asked Kristi if there was any truth to the reports.
“Sir, we have no knowledge of a reality show,” she quickly replied.
Kristi explained, “There may have been something submitted somewhere along the line because there are proposals pitched to the document, but me and my executive team have no knowledge of a reality show, and it’s not under consideration.”
When the senator pushed back, citing quotes from a source within the administration, Kristi accused media outlets of printing “wrong information.” She said there were “no plans” to do a reality show. So, don’t expect this messy idea to hit Netflix anytime soon.
TELL US – ARE YOU RELIEVED TO HEAR KRISTI NOEM’S RESPONSE TO THE PROPOSED IMMIGRANT REALITY SHOW?
