Miami-Dade schools ends citizenship classes for immigrants after federal cuts

Miami Herald

15 hours ago

Miami-Dade County Public Schools will no longer offer citizenship courses that have helped thousands of immigrants prepare for the naturalization exam and learn about American history and culture.
The courses, called Fast Track to Citizenship, previously available through the district's Adult Education program, supported lawful permanent residents seeking U.S. citizenship. They included help with the 20-page naturalization application and preparation for the exam. Initially free, the program later charged a $43 fee per trimester.
The district's 2025 curriculum still lists Fast Track to Citizenship as an available offering at eight locations, including The English Center, adult education centers in Miami Beach and Hialeah, and Miami Coral Park's Adult and Continuing Education Centers.
But now, when someone calls to ask about enrolling, the operator says, 'Unfortunately, we don't have citizenship classes anymore. They cut the funding.'
An internal email shared with the Miami Herald revealed that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security determined the program 'no longer effectuates the program goals and the Department's priorities.' As a result, all federally funded work under the grant 'will be unallowable.'
Despite the federal cutbacks, district officials gave mixed signals about whether some kind of citizenship class would be offered. A spokesperson confirmed the citizenship classes through the adult technical colleges had been canceled for the fall but said they may offer classes at some schools 'if there was enough interest.' But so far, no information about a replacement course or how much it would cost is listed on the district's website. They also noted that in recent years, enrollment numbers had been low.
Citizenship preparation courses have been taught through Miami-Dade schools in some form since at least the 1970s.
Citizenship as a lifeline for new arrivals
For many, the school district's citizenship courses were life-changing.
Liena Perdomo immigrated from Cuba at 18 and enrolled in English reading and writing courses and a citizenship class at The English Center, a district-run adult education site founded in the 1960s to serve South Florida's refugee population.
Perdomo, now 41, holds an engineering degree from Florida International University and runs a public adjuster firm. She credits her early education at The English Center for shaping her path.
'People like me, we don't know anything about this country when we come here — it teaches us a lot,' she said. 'Every class that I took in that little school pushed me to where I have been able to get in the end.'
'I would say if they don't have that class anymore, it's really like a big loss.'
For more than a decade, Miami-Dade County Public Schools partnered with Catholic Legal Services, under the Archdiocese of Miami, to help students in the citizenship courses prepare their applications. Students would either visit Catholic Legal Services' offices or receive help directly in the classroom.
Randy McGrorty, who has led Catholic Legal Services since its founding in 1998, said the collaboration combined legal support with accessible education.
'I am absolutely convinced individuals prepping for citizenship know more about civics than many U.S. citizens,' he said.
McGrorty estimates that at least half a million lawful permanent residents nationwide are eligible for citizenship but haven't applied due to fear of the exam. The process — including the length and complexity of the application — can be daunting.
These courses helped students feel prepared.
'If you take that class, you pass,' said Gemma Santos, a former teacher of the course.
McGrorty noted that under President George W. Bush, the Department of Homeland Security saw naturalization support as part of its mission. 'It is my hope that we will again re-prioritize people's naturalization,' he said. Studies show, he added, that naturalized citizens tend to earn more and pay more in taxes — a net gain for the country.
'A betrayal'
Carlos Manrique, who directed the district's adult and workforce education program for 26 years and served as a Republican legislator on the state education committee, said the courses were largely funded by federal dollars, with occasional support from English as a Second Language grants.
He called the cancellation 'a betrayal.'
'These students are legal. Their kids are legal. They are getting blamed. I think it's completely disrespectful at any level,' he said.
Rene Mantilla, who currently oversees adult and technical education programs for the district, declined to comment. Other administrators also declined or did not respond.
Santos, a retired citizenship instructor who still substitutes at The English Center, said the course covered far more than test prep — it taught about U.S. history, national holidays, basic geography and how to participate in civic life by volunteering or writing letters to the editor.
But the support for immigrants, she said, is now vanishing.
'If you don't know how to swim, we will not give you a life vest — just drown, sorry,' she said.