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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3540976.stmTV show offers immigration helpA Spanish-language TV show in the US is offering, as its top prize, help from immigration lawyers to gain a green card residency permit.
The TV show Gana la Verde (Win the Green) started last month on the KRCA-TV Channel 62 in Los Angeles.
Contestants have to perform stunts that include swallowing tequila worms, trying to catch a pig smeared in butter, and jumping between two trucks.
The winner receives a year's legal help - but a green card is not guaranteed.
"People say that our show is like Fear Factor, but it's different because the climax of the show involves working," production manager Adrian Vallarino told the Los Angeles Times.
A US immigration official has warned the show's winner they should not get their hopes up about getting a permit.
'Exploitation'
"I don't think it's appropriate for me to comment on the premise of a television show, except to say that they are holding out false hope to people," she said.
She added the programme sounded like "exploitation".
Lawyer Richard Sherman, who represents producers Liberman Broadcasting, said contestants had been told about the risks.
"If you're illegal, it probably would be better not to be on anybody's radar screen," Mr Sherman said.
"It's possible there is some risk of that. But I don't think it's going to catch the attention of Homeland Security. They have other things to do now."
Many of the contestants already have student or work visas.
