Following the loss of federal funding that threatened a key program for immigrants, the city of Miami has stepped up and managed to restore it, albeit with a limited capacity.
Citizenship classes will once again be available for free to residents of Miami, thanks to a municipal investment aimed at keeping an essential tool for civic integration alive.
What happened to the citizenship classes?
For decades, the Miami-Dade County Public Schools offered free courses to help legal permanent residents prepare for U.S. citizenship.
These courses, known as “Fast Track to Citizenship”, provided assistance with the 20-page naturalization form and preparation for the civics test.
However, in March 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) cut funding for the program, claiming that it "no longer meets the program's goals or the Department's priorities."
This forced the school district to suspend free classes in Miami, leaving hundreds of immigrants without access to this crucial resource.
What will the city of Miami do now?
This Monday, the commissioner of District 4, Ralph “Rafael” Rosado, announced that his office will allocate up to $10,000 to cover the cost of registrations for the course “Fast Track to Citizenship.”
This will allow the program to be revitalized and offered free of charge to residents of the city of Miami.
“It's much more than financing a program. It's about living our values as Americans and as residents of Miami,” Rosado stated during a press conference alongside Mayor Francis Suárez, as reported by El Nuevo Herald.
"The diversity of Miami is our strength," he added.
However, the assistance will cover a limited number of spots: it is estimated that the budget will suffice for approximately 150 people, which equates to one more year of the program operating under the current structure.
The subsidy will apply exclusively to residents of the city of Miami and will come into effect in the fall of 2025, once the current federal grant expires.
Rosado indicated that his team is working to expedite assistance if necessary.
Where and how to register?
Interested parties can:
Call (305) 558-8000.
-Visit the website: adulteducationworks.com
Important: Since space is limited, it is recommended to submit the application as soon as possible.
Why is this decision important?
Miami is a city where 58% of the population was born abroad, and more than 70% identifies as Hispanic or Latino.
For many, the naturalization process is essential for accessing political rights and legal stability. However, without proper assistance, the costs and complexity can be an insurmountable barrier.
The mayor, Suárez, emphasized that these types of programs "have a clear history of providing an important service to our community", and lamented that "they have become victims of budget cuts to the county's public schools."
In the words of the mayor, quoted by the Herald, “This financial investment will ensure that those who are already on their way to obtaining citizenship do not face obstacles in achieving that dream."
And what about the rest of the county?
Although the subsidized program is only available for residents of Miami, the school district continues to offer some citizenship classes through its continuing education program.
However, now they are paid, and students must collectively cover the costs of teachers and materials.
According to testimonies gathered by the aforementioned media outlet, when calling the registration centers, the usual response is: “Unfortunately, we no longer have citizenship classes. Funding has been cut.”
An announcement amid migration tensions
The reactivation of the program occurs at a complex time.
Just weeks ago, the city of Miami approved a controversial collaboration agreement with ICE (known as 287(g)), which allows local police to act as immigration agents. Rosado was one of the three commissioners who voted in favor.
Furthermore, in the broader immigration debate, other controversial elements arise, such as the proposal for a new detention center for migrants -nicknamed Alligator Alcatraz- suggested in the Everglades, which faces the opposition of Archbishop Thomas Wenski and indigenous leaders like Betty Osceola.
In parallel, Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar promotes the Dignity Immigration Act, aimed at providing a middle ground for the regularization of long-term immigrants.
Frequently Asked Questions about Subsidized Citizenship Classes in Miami
Why were the free citizenship classes in Miami suspended?
Free citizenship classes have been suspended because the U.S. Department of Homeland Security cut funding for the "Fast Track to Citizenship" program in March 2025, stating that the program did not meet its goals and priorities. This decision left hundreds of immigrants without access to a crucial resource for their civic integration.
How has Miami managed to reactivate the citizenship classes program?
The city of Miami, through the District 4 commissioner, Ralph "Rafael" Rosado, has allocated up to $10,000 to cover the registration costs for the course "Fast Track to Citizenship". This will allow the program to be reactivated and offered for free to residents of the city of Miami, although the subsidy will cover a limited number of approximately 150 people.
How can I enroll in the subsidized citizenship classes in Miami?
Those interested in enrolling in subsidized citizenship classes can call (305) 558-8000 or visit the website adulteducationworks.com. Since space is limited, it is recommended to submit the application as soon as possible.
Why is access to citizenship classes in Miami important?
Access to citizenship classes is crucial because it allows immigrants to adequately prepare for obtaining U.S. citizenship, a process that is key to accessing political rights and legal stability. In a city where 58% of the population was born abroad, these programs are vital for civic and social integration.
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