The Trump administration has reversed its decision to cut off legal aid for unaccompanied immigrant children just three days after issuing a stop-work order to government-funded attorneys. The Acacia Center for Justice and ImmDef confirmed that the work stoppage for non-profits providing legal counsel for approximately 26,000 unaccompanied minors has been lifted.
Shaina Aber, the executive director of Acacia, welcomed the news and expressed the organization’s commitment to working with the Department of Health and Human Services to restore critical legal services for vulnerable children. The stop-work order had surprised and concerned many non-profits working with unaccompanied children as it could have dire consequences for their clients.
Several legal service non-profits, including Acacia and ImmDef, had continued their work despite the order, highlighting the importance of legal representation for these children, some as young as less than a year old. The immediate threat of children being left without legal aid has been alleviated due to the reversal of the decision.
The stop-work order had prompted a strong response from advocates and supporters, with over 15,000 letters sent to Congress urging the restoration of legal access for unaccompanied children. The decision impacts children who presented themselves at the border without parents and were placed under ORR custody, many of whom are in foster care or group homes.
With only 50% of children having legal representation in immigration court, the reinstatement of legal aid for unaccompanied minors is seen as a crucial step towards upholding their rights and ensuring their well-being.
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