The new Spanish-language reality show "Gana la Verde" (Win the Green) promises help to would-be immigrants from Mexico and Central America — in exchange for on-camera humiliation and "Fear Factor"-style grossout stunts. Candidates are recruited on the Internet and via TV ads. Prove your unstoppable janitorial technique, nosh on things so revolting even your dog would decline, and a team of attorneys will be assigned to "expedite" your papers to the US. No guarantee you'll really make it to el norte, though. God, this is so wrong. Not a "ha ha, funny" wrong. Just wrong. What's next, Who Wants to be a Guantanamo Detainee?
There is already a waiting list, despite the fact that each week 30 contestants end up on the air. Producers adhere to a strict format: Six contestants compete in the first round, which involves a difficult and daredevilish physical task. Four semifinalists break bread together over gourmet treats, such as live crabs, scorpions and worms. The remaining two go head-to-head performing a job, such as towing a car or washing the outside of a 10-story building. The winner is picked up by a limo at the end of the show, presumably to be taken to meet with an immigration lawyer.
"If it's true what they say, that they are helping people get their papers in order, I think that's great," said 25-year-old Luis Sanchez of Los Angeles, who watches the show every night. "I don't think the show can hurt anyone. There are thousands of illegal immigrants, and everybody knows it. I don't think the immigration service is going to go after anyone because they are on the show. There are things we do out of necessity, not because we want to. Eating worms for your papers is one of those things."
