Community College of Aurora has paused citizenship classes after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security terminated a grant it received from Lutheran Social Services of Colorado.

“Effective immediately, CCA will conclude all programming related to our citizenship class offerings,” said CCA President Mordecai Brownlee in a statement Thursday. “While this change is beyond our control, it reflects a broader shift in federal priorities. To ensure compliance with grant funding regulations, we are pausing these initiatives until there is further clarity in the nation’s approach to citizenship education.”

Citizenship classes are part of the college’s adult learning program, which also includes English as a Second Language (ESL) and General Education Diploma (GED) classes, all necessary elements for those seeking U.S. citizenship.

The program was supported by a $101,511.89 grant over the past two years, enabling CCA to host eight classes annually, a college spokesperson told The Denver Gazette.

The cost of the 10-week class was $30.

“The termination of the grant directly affected seven students who were set to begin their citizenship preparation this spring, CCA Director of Strategic Communications Courtney Butler said. “Over the course of a grant cycle, we typically offered eight classes per year, serving numerous students on their path to citizenship.”

The program has served approximately 1,000 students since 2013.

“Since October 2023, at least 10 students from our program have successfully become U.S. citizens, demonstrating the impact of this initiative,” Butler added. “Additionally, many of our students also participate in our Community ESL programming, which further supports their success in the citizenship process by strengthening their English skills.”

Similar programs in California and Virginia have also seen funding abruptly eliminated by DHS, according to the Washington Post.

According to the CCA website, citizenship classes are available only to legal permanent residents who are ready to apply and prepared to become U.S. citizens. 

Students could also receive legal help for their citizenship application while learning English and civics skills to pass the naturalization test. Students are required to have a green card and an intermediate level of English.