In April 2025, Congress will consider a proposal that could change the fate of tens of thousands of children. who came to the U.S. unaccompanied. The proposal would eliminate funding for legal services for migrant children. If passed, it would affect thousands of minor children. Including victims of human trafficking and asylum seekers fleeing violence and persecution. District Judge Arceli Martinez-Olguin previously ruled to resume funding after temporarily halting payments. However, proposed budget changes could circumvent this court order. By completely eliminating legal defense funding for migrant children.
Background
Since 2009, Congress has annually appropriated funds to provide legal services to immigrant minors. Who are living in the U.S. unaccompanied by an adult. These children face the immigration system alone. Notably, they often do not speak English or understand the legal process. Until recently, legal services were provided by dozens of organizations across the country. It was coordinated through subcontracts with the Acacia Center for Justice. But in March, the government suspended payments. As a result, many organizations laid off legal aid workers.
And some cases had to be closed or suspended. Only after a lawsuit by human rights groups and an injunction did the government agree to partially reopen the contracts. But the new version of the contract is temporary. So the future of the program depends on congressional budget decisions.
What Does the Bill Propose?
The bill eliminates funding for legal aid for immigrant minors. It also proposes to:
- Impose a $5,000 fee for crossing the border outside an official port of entry
- Impose additional fees of up to $8,500 for guardians or parents seeking to bring a child into the U.S.
These measures are of serious concern to human rights advocates and organizations working with victims of trafficking and violence.
Why it’s Dangerous?
1. The Vulnerability of Defenseless Children
Without lawyers, children find themselves alone with the immigration system. They do not understand or know their rights and responsibilities. This puts them at high risk of unjust deportation. Especially for those who have grounds for asylum or trafficking status.
2. Threats to trafficked persons
According to experts, including Jean Bruggeman of Freedom Network USA Ending legal aid is a gift to traffickers. Unprotected children become easy prey for criminal gangs. This can lead to increased exploitation.
3. Conflicts with International and Domestic Commitments
The U.S. is committed to protecting refugee children and trafficking victims under international agreements. Including the Trafficking Protocol. The proposed changes are inconsistent with these commitments and could diminish the country’s international standing.
The Role of Legal Aid
Legal aid for migrant minors is not a privilege, but a chance for justice. Lawyers can:
- Help children understand their rights
- Represent their interests in court
- File paperwork
- Seek continuances of cases
In addition, these services can help identify cases such as:
- Violence
- Forced labor
- Sexual exploitation
that would otherwise go undetected. Eliminating this assistance would create a huge legal vacuum, the effects of which would be felt for years. The problem is that children without legal representation are most often victims of deportation without due process. This not only violates their rights, but can have serious consequences for their safety. This includes the possibility of being sent back to countries where they may be abused or exploited. According to the ACLU, having an attorney greatly improves a minor’s chances in immigration cases.
Potential Impact on the U.S.
If Congress adopts the proposal, it will bring the following changes:
- An increase in the number of unwarranted deportations of minors
- Increased burden on the judicial system due to inefficient case processing
- Increased vulnerability of migrants to criminal exploitation
- Deterioration of the image of the U.S. as a country that respects human rights
Reducing the availability of legal aid will have serious consequences for the entire justice system of the country. Lawyers play an important role in ensuring your safety. They ensure that everyone, including children, has an equal opportunity to protect their rights. Without such help, there is no way to ensure that immigration decisions are fair and lawful.
What Actions Can We Take?
Human rights organizations are urging citizens, advocates, and lawmakers to oppose the bill. It is important to contact your congressional representatives, express your concerns, and demand that funding for children’s legal aid be preserved. Only through legislative change can children’s rights be fully protected. This includes ensuring that they have access to quality legal representation.
KAASS LAW actively supports the rights of migrant minors. We urge that existing funding for legal aid programs be maintained. which are essential for children in vulnerable situations. In this context, it is also important to continue the fight for justice at the international level by strengthening cooperation with other countries and human rights organizations.
Conclusion
The Congressional proposal to eliminate legal aid for immigrant minors raises questions about the U.S. commitment to humanitarian and legal principles. Protecting minors requires not only maintaining existing funding, but also expanding access to quality legal assistance. Immigration attorneys at KAASS LAW firm remains committed to protecting vulnerable migrants and will continue to advocate for them in the legal arena. This is not just a matter of policy, but of basic humanity.