Once again reality TV is pushing the envelope. Following on the heels on extreme reality shows such as “The Swan” and “Amish in the City” which have drawn controversy, a new television show offers Latins the chance to compete for a green card. The show is “Gana la Verde,” which means win the green. It airs on small Spanish language channels in Southern California and Texas, both areas with a high percentage of Hispanic immigrants.

The show has had hundreds of contestants willing to eat burritos crammed with live worms, jump off speeding trucks, or wash windows on a skyscraper in exchange for free legal help with their green card or visa cases. Many of the shows stunts feature a Mexican theme. There is no guarantee they will receive a green card and spokespeople from the immigration department have chastised the show for offering false hope to people because cases are decided according to laws. The show which began this summer in Los Angeles has received high ratings. Southern California is home to approximately two million immigrants and many more who are here illegally and trying to stay in the country.

The shows producers have stated that there is a waiting list to be on the show. Participants seem eager even though some might be better off not calling attention to themselves if they are in the United States illegally. While ratings are high, community leaders worry about the need for this type of show. 'It is a sad commentary ... You can't really blame the program makers,' said Alex Nogales, president of the National Hispanic Media Coalition which campaigns for positive Hispanic representation in the U.S. media. 'But how humiliating it is, and how desperate do people have to be, to get something that is so necessary to your life and to the future of your children. It is heart-wrenching,' he said.