The Trump administration has ended a federal contract that provided legal representation for nearly 26,000 migrant children who entered the United States without a parent or guardian. This decision, announced on a Friday, has raised concerns among immigration attorneys and advocates who warn that it leaves these vulnerable children at risk of rapid deportation.
The contract previously funded legal aid for minors in the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement, including around 4,000 children in California. Many of these children face significant challenges, as they may not speak or read English, and some are too young to communicate effectively at all. Joel Frost-Tift, an immigration attorney with Public Counsel, emphasized the devastating impact this funding cut will have on their cases.
Research shows that children with legal representation are five to six times more likely to succeed in their immigration cases. Without access to attorneys, many children may struggle to present their cases in court, increasing the likelihood of deportation. Public Counsel currently represents about 200 unaccompanied migrant children in Southern California. While attorneys are committed to helping these children, the lack of funding raises questions about how long they can continue to provide support.
The termination of this contract affects around 100 legal aid organizations across the country. Many are now urging the administration to reconsider its decision. Shaina Aber, executive director of the Acacia Center for Justice, pointed out that ending these services undermines due process for children who have already experienced trauma, putting them at risk of further harm or exploitation.
Despite the funding cut, the Acacia Center has been informed it can continue offering free legal clinics but must stop paying for legal representation. This shift complicates the already challenging process for these children, who rely on legal support not only for their immigration cases but also for protection against human trafficking and abuse.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that individuals in immigration court do not have a guaranteed right to an attorney, unlike in criminal cases. Children can avoid deportation by obtaining special immigrant juvenile status, but this is nearly impossible without legal assistance.
The administration’s decision comes amid reports that thousands of children have been deported for failing to appear at their immigration hearings, often due to a lack of representation. As the administration directs immigration agents to locate and deport unaccompanied minors, advocates continue to call for a reversal of this funding cut, emphasizing the need for legal support to ensure these children’s safety and rights.