Government Cancels Contract Providing Legal Support to Unaccompanied Minors
The Trump administration has abruptly ended funding for legal aid programs assisting unaccompanied migrant children, raising fears that thousands of vulnerable minors will be forced to navigate U.S. immigration courts alone.
The Acacia Center for Justice, a key provider of legal representation and “know your rights” orientations for migrant children under 18, was notified Friday that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) would no longer fund legal representation for these children.
The decision affects approximately 26,000 children, who will now face immigration hearings without government-funded lawyers. While Acacia will still be allowed to conduct legal orientation clinics, direct legal representation will no longer be covered.
Children at Risk of Facing Immigration Court Alone
The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2008 (TVPA) established special protections for children who enter the U.S. without a parent or guardian. However, unlike criminal courts, immigration courts do not guarantee legal representation—meaning children must either find a private attorney or represent themselves.
“It’s extremely concerning because it’s leaving these kids without really important support,” said Ailin Buigues, head of Acacia’s unaccompanied children program. “They’re often in a very vulnerable position.”
Government Justification: “For the Government’s Convenience”
A termination letter obtained by the Associated Press stated the contract was being ended “for the Government’s convenience.”
The decision comes just days before the contract’s scheduled renewal on March 29. Last month, the Trump administration temporarily suspended all legal services for unaccompanied minors, only to reverse the decision days later. Now, with the contract’s full termination, organizations are scrambling to prevent a complete collapse of the legal aid system for migrant children.
Advocates Warn of “Complete Collapse of the System”
Michael Lukens, executive director of Amica, a Washington, D.C.-based legal provider working with Acacia, said they will try to fight the termination but must prepare for the worst.
“We’re trying to pull every lever, but we have to be prepared for the worst, which is children going to court without attorneys all over the country,” Lukens warned. “This is a complete collapse of the system.”
What’s at Stake?
Without legal assistance, thousands of unaccompanied migrant children could face significant challenges, including:
Navigating complicated immigration laws alone
Difficulty in applying for asylum or other legal protections
Increased risk of deportation, even if they are eligible to stay
Advocacy groups are expected to push back against this decision, but for now, the fate of these children remains uncertain within the U.S. immigration system.
