Trump Administration Cuts Off Legal Support for Migrant Kids

In the last four months, over 4,000 unaccompanied migrant children have crossed Arizona’s southern border, many fleeing violence and seeking asylum. President Donald Trump recently suggested these children should represent themselves without legal counsel in immigration hearings.

On February 18, the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Department of Health and Human Services issued a stop work order affecting legal aid organizations funded through the Unaccompanied Children Program. This decision raises serious concerns about the future of legal protections for vulnerable immigrants, particularly children, and disrupts the operations of legal aid groups.

Roxana Avila-Cimpeanu, deputy director of the Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project, emphasized the risks posed by the order. She argued that it forces children to navigate the complicated immigration court system without assistance, heightening their chances of deportation and diminishing the oversight role played by legal aid organizations.

The Florence Project stands as Arizona’s largest provider of free legal and social services for detained immigrants. It organizes consultations and informational events for unaccompanied minors, representing numerous asylum cases. Avila-Cimpeanu stated, “These services are critical for fairness and to safeguard children from exploitation.” With this program potentially halted, children who enter the system may have to face court without representation.

Recent trends reveal an alarming increase in unaccompanied minors at the border. A congressional report notes that since fiscal year 2021, over 130,000 children arrive alone annually, often fleeing perilous conditions. Some travel to reunite with parents or are placed in the care of relatives in the U.S.

As the situation escalates, the broader context remains troubling. The U.S. currently faces a backlog of 3.7 million asylum cases, with around 700 immigration judges handling 500 to 700 cases each year. Alarmingly, the number of immigrants, including children, with access to legal representation during deportation proceedings is startlingly low, with data indicating only 16.8% had counsel in December 2024.

Advocates from immigrant legal aid organizations are raising alarms about the repercussions of the stop work order. Groups like the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights have pledged to assist their current clients but fear the long-term impacts on immigrants once their funds are depleted. Michael Lukens, executive director of the Amica Center, reported that the elimination of program funding could leave over 26,000 children without attorneys, marking a severe blow to the rights of unaccompanied minors.

Furthermore, practitioners like Daniela Hernandez Chong Cuy raised concerns about the ability of children to fend for themselves in court, noting that many lack the essential skills or understanding needed to navigate the legal complexities. She described cases involving very young children who cannot articulate their needs in legal settings.

Personal stories underscore the program’s significance. Gerson Navidad, who escaped gang violence in El Salvador as a teenager, had access to legal aid through the program and successfully obtained asylum. He is now flourishing as a legal permanent resident and advocates for children facing similar challenges. He criticized the Trump administration’s order, labeling it a betrayal of fundamental American values.

Lillian R. Aponte, executive director of the Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project, revealed that her organization is currently managing over 800 active cases. In the previous year, they conducted more than 1,200 informative sessions attended by over 10,000 individuals. However, the recent stop work order places these efforts at risk.

Aponte remains committed, stating that her organization will mobilize resources as long as possible, but cautions that sustainability is a growing concern. While the prospect of pro bono attorneys stepping in has been suggested, Aponte argues that immigration law is exceedingly complex and that nonprofits are crucial for mentoring those volunteers to ensure effective support.

Imagining the future legal landscape, there are discussions among several immigrant advocacy groups about a potential lawsuit to challenge the stop work order. Lukens expressed cautious optimism that judicial intervention could reverse this administration’s decision, thereby safeguarding legal support for unaccompanied children in the immigration system.