08 Jul ‘The American’ Isn’t Entertainment — It’s an Insult to Immigrants

(Photo by K E on Unsplash)

Commentary, Ida Marshall 

“American.” It’s a word that’s supposed to unite us, yet more and more, it feels like a prize to be fought for. 

 For over a century, people have been crossing the U.S.-Mexico border without documentation. To some, illegal immigration may seem like a modern issue. But it’s not. It’s been part of our country’s history for generations. Millions have entered the U.S. this way, and it raises an important question: Why are so many people immigrating to the U.S? 

According to a 2023 survey by KFF (formerly the Kaiser Family Foundation) and the Los Angeles Times, most immigrants say they came to this country “for better work and educational opportunities, a better future for their children, and more rights and freedoms.” Some also came to join family or escape dangerous conditions. 

In other words, the vast majority are simply seeking better lives. Yet, instead of empathy, our society often responds with stereotypes and suspicion, especially toward undocumented immigrants.

And some apparently even find their struggles entertaining. A recent example of this is a proposed reality TV show called “The American.” The premise: Immigrants would compete in a series of challenges for a shot at U.S. citizenship.

Yes, compete.

What does this say about the United States as a country?

While “The American” may never make it to TV, the fact that it was even pitched says a lot. It reveals a dangerous mindset: that immigrants must prove their worth and that citizenship is a reward, not a right. 

The idea of “The American” is just one example of the shame often placed on immigrants. For decades, the U.S. government has separated families, deported parents, and used language that dehumanizes immigrants. Even official government websites, like that of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, still use terms like “illegal alien.” That phrase doesn’t just criminalize — it dehumanizes. After all, aliens are creatures from another planet. What does it say when we use the same word to describe people?

This is part of a larger pattern.

Concepts like “The American” are not just offensive but dangerous. Treating immigrants like contestants for citizenship turns their pain into entertainment.

Of course, some people defend the show’s concept. They say it makes the topic of immigration more fun, celebrates hard work, or highlights the meaning of being American. But those arguments ignore one critical fact: Immigration is real life. These are real people that don’t just exist for entertainment.  

While immigration is a complicated topic, it is not an excuse to dehumanize large groups of people. As a country, we should think more critically about complex topics like this, to avoid wrongfully putting blame on immigrants and treating them like they are less than human. 

Citizenship should never be something you win or lose. It should be something that binds us together as equals.