A federal judge has halted the Trump administration's cut in funding for legal aid to 26,000 unaccompanied minor migrants. The ruling from U.S. District Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin of San Francisco enables the continuation of legal representation for vulnerable children, particularly after the administration terminated a contract with a nonprofit that provided these essential services. Advocates argue that the cancellation violates a 2008 anti-trafficking law, which mandates legal counsel for minors, many of whom are surprisingly vulnerable and may not even speak English. The ruling highlights the necessity of legal support in ensuring fairness and efficiency in immigration proceedings.
The Court additionally finds that the continued funding of legal representation for unaccompanied children promotes efficiency and fairness within the immigration system, she wrote.
Legal aid for vulnerable children is more crucial than ever as the administration ramps up deportations. This decision undermines due process and puts children at greater risk.
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