The Literacy Network of Dane County has been notified that its federal funding to support lawful permanent residents on the path to U.S. citizenship has been abruptly terminated, according to a report from Madison365. The organization had been partnering with Centro Hispano to provide English, U.S. history and naturalization preparation courses through the Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services (CINAS) grant, which has supported similar efforts nationwide since 2009.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the grant was rescinded because its scope “no longer effectuates the program goals and the Department’s priorities,” citing a broader aim to curtail “illegal immigration.” Literacy Network leaders argue this reasoning is deeply flawed, as all individuals served through the program are lawfully residing in the U.S. and pursuing citizenship through legal means.
Robin Ryan, executive director of the Literacy Network, criticized the decision as “shortsighted,” noting the grant has helped low-income adults secure free education and legal assistance to achieve the stability and opportunity that citizenship provides. “Dane County thrives in part because immigrants choose to become citizens and participate in our democracy,” Ryan said.
Since October 2023, the program has served 175 participants, including 15 who have already obtained citizenship in the first three months of 2025. An additional 11 are preparing for their naturalization interviews, and over 50 remain enrolled. The Literacy Network had projected reaching more than 100 lawful permanent residents this year before the funding cut.
The sudden loss of the grant creates a $74,000 budget gap, prompting the organization to seek alternative funding sources. Ryan said they will turn to current supporters and the broader community for help, though the competition for limited resources is steep given widespread federal cutbacks affecting nonprofits across the region.
