The Literacy Center of West Michigan (LCWM) recently announced that a $300,000 grant from the United States Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS) has been frozen.
This unexpected move threatens programs designed to assist legal U.S. residents in achieving citizenship and improving English language skills.
Grant’s Initial Award and Impact
In October 2022, LCWM received the first installment of this grant, which enabled them to provide instruction and legal services to 200 individuals. As a result, over 100 participants successfully obtained U.S. citizenship.
Second Round of Funding and Current Program Status
The second round of funding was awarded in November 2024. Currently, 38 learners are enrolled in the program, which is scheduled to continue through the end of March.
LCWM has reported that they are owed $12,000 from the latest funding cycle at the time of the freeze.
National Context of the Grant
This grant was distributed to 36 organizations nationwide, including one other organization in Michigan. The freeze’s impact on these organizations remains unclear.
| Program Year | Number of Participants | Services Provided | Citizenships Achieved | Outstanding Funds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-2023 | 200 | Instruction, Legal Services | 100+ | N/A |
| 2024-2025 | 38 | Instruction, Legal Services | Ongoing | $12,000 |
The freeze of this significant grant poses challenges for LCWM’s ongoing efforts to support individuals in their journey toward U.S. citizenship and English proficiency.
The organization has not specified whether current programming will continue or if operations will be halted due to the funding freeze.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the frozen grant?
The grant was intended to help legal U.S. residents achieve citizenship and improve their English language skills.
How has the grant been utilized so far?
In the first year, the grant supported 200 individuals with instruction and legal services, leading to over 100 successful citizenships.
What is the current status of the program?
As of now, 38 learners are enrolled in the program, which is set to run through the end of March. The impact of the funding freeze on these participants is currently unclear.
