Trump Administration Ends Legal Aid for Migrant Children, Raising Concerns

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The Trump administration has stopped a contract that gives legal help to migrant children arriving alone in the U.S. This could leave many kids facing court without a lawyer.

Group Helping Migrant Kids with Legal Aid

The Acacia Center for Justice works with the government to provide lawyers and legal advice to kids under 18 who enter the country alone. They also run “know your rights” sessions in shelters.

Government Ends Legal Help for Kids in Court

On Friday, Acacia said the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services decided to stop most of its legal work, including paying for lawyers for about 26,000 children. The group will still offer legal info sessions.

How This Hurts Migrant Kids

“This is very worrying because these kids won’t have important support,” said Ailin Buigues, who runs Acacia’s program for unaccompanied children. “They’re in a tough spot.”

No Guaranteed Lawyer for Immigrant Kids

People facing deportation don’t get free lawyers like in criminal court, but they can hire one if they can afford it.

Special Rules for Kids Without Parents

Some protections exist for kids going through immigration court alone since they don’t have a parent or guardian to help them.

Law Protecting Migrant Children

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2008 gives special protections to children arriving in the U.S. without a parent or legal guardian.

Government Responds to Concerns

Emily G. Hilliard, a Health and Human Services official, said in an email that the department is still following the law on how children in custody should be treated.

Government Cancels Contract Right Before Renewal

The contract was set to renew on March 29, but the government decided to end it instead. A month ago, they paused all of Acacia’s legal work, then changed their minds—only to cancel it again.

Will the Program Continue?

The program has a five-year contract, but the government decides each year whether to keep it going.

Why the Contract Was Ended

A letter obtained by The Associated Press said the contract was canceled “for the Government’s convenience.”

Groups Still Trying to Help

Michael Lukens, who leads a group working with Acacia, said they saw this coming as the renewal deadline got closer.

Preparing for Kids Going to Court Alone

He said they will keep helping as many kids as possible for as long as they can.

“We’re trying everything we can, but we have to be ready for the worst—kids all over the country going to court without a lawyer. The whole system is falling apart,” he said.