Hyderabad: A recent announcement by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has ignited criticism, particularly among Indian immigrants residing in the United States on F1, OPT, and H1B visas. The department revealed its plans to launch a reality television show in which participants, immigrants without permanent legal status, will compete in elimination-style challenges across various American states. The ultimate winner would be rewarded with US citizenship.The proposed show, which DHS is currently reviewing, has drawn backlash from many who see it as an insensitive move. “This is not a game. People’s lives, futures, and families are at stake,” said a data analyst based in Chicago on an H1B visa. “I’ve been working here for five years, paying taxes, following every rule to the letter. To see citizenship being offered as a prize on a TV show is an insult to every immigrant who has waited in line,” he added.Ethical implications He is not alone. Social media platforms have been flooded with critical posts from Indian nationals and others in the international student and skilled worker community. Many argue that the concept trivialises the long, complex, and often “anxiety-inducing path” to permanent residency in the US. DHS has yet to release full details about the show’s format, eligibility criteria, or air date, as it’s still in review stage, but the backlash has already prompted calls for it to be scrapped before it even begins.“It’s demeaning,” said a 25-year-old on OPT in Los Angeles. “There are people who have spent more than a decade in visa limbo, dealing with backlogs, work restrictions, and immense mental stress. Turning that struggle into entertainment is just wrong.” Others pointed out the ethical implications of pitting desperate individuals against one another for something as fundamental as citizenship.‘Turning citizenship into public lottery’ Yet, a small section of the public has reacted positively, viewing the show as a novel and faster route to securing permanent residency. “If it helps someone skip the 15-year backlog, why not?” said a 28-year-old in Georgia, who is currently on OPT. “I agree, it’s bizarre, but desperate times call for creative solutions. At least it offers a clear path for someone.”“It would be given away for reasons related to merit, but it would violate the laws regarding citizenship requirements. It would also send a bad signal to prospective migrants: Come to the USA and you might ‘win’ citizenship. To qualify to be a citizen you need to demonstrate long-term civic virtue and commitment. The TV show bypasses that and turns citizenship into a public lottery. I hope DHS rejects it,” said Orn Bodvarsson, an economist and a senior academician.