The Trump administration has terminated a federal contract that provided legal representation to 26,000 unaccompanied migrant children in immigration court. Immigration attorneys express concern that this decision will leave these vulnerable children at risk of rapid deportation, as the presence of an attorney significantly increases their chances of success in legal proceedings. Many of these children cannot adequately represent themselves due to language barriers or age. Legal aid organizations across the U.S. are urging the administration to reconsider this decision in light of its negative implications for due process and child welfare.
"It's going to have a devastating effect on our clients," Frost-Tift said. "Immigrants are five to six times more likely to succeed in their case if they're represented by an attorney...."
The administration's decision to end these services undermines due process, disproportionately impacts vulnerable children, and puts children who have already experienced severe trauma at risk for further harm.
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