Crossing the Line for a Chance at Legal Status

Since "Gana la Verde" premiered here July 1, it has consistently reached an average of 1 million Latino households. Last week, the show was No. 2 among 18- to 49-year-old Latino viewers, the station's target audience, in its 7 p.m. time slot. Thus far, the show has apparently gone unnoticed by immigration advocates or opponents, and the producers say they've received no complaints.

"Gana la Verde" recruits contestants like most reality shows do -- through TV and radio ads and the Internet. 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."

If someone is aware of the show's growing popularity, it's host George X, who has been recognized at restaurants and on location by fans of the show. A native of Mexico who began his career covering extreme sports for Televisa, George X also has covered the Olympics, the Super Bowl and will host the X Games for ESPN Deportes this weekend in Los Angeles.

"I love the outdoors, and I'm pretty fearless when it comes to trying new things," George X said. "I've tried everything from bungee jumping to sky diving, but I have to say the one thing that really got me was the episode where the contestants ate the live scorpions. Wow! I'm not sure I could do that one."

When it came to the tequila worms, De La Luz was not sure she could pull it off either. The worst part, the 21-year-old Puebla, Mexico, native said, was the intense smell. It also didn't help that the worms slithered inside tacos, one of the show's Mexican touches. Contestants must choose from tacos, nachos, burritos and tostadas to go with their slimy creatures.