A federal judge in Northern California ordered the Trump administration to temporarily restore legal funds for immigrant children in immigration courts.
The nonprofit representing unaccompanied minors challenged the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California after the government notified on March 21 that their contract would be terminated. The program provides legal representation for about 26,000 children, some of whom are too young to read or even speak.
Ruling that the government provides representation for vulnerable children under the 2008 anti-trafficking law.
The government argues that funds are a matter of discretion and contractual disputes.
U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín in San Francisco awarded nonprofits, including the Immigration Defender Law Center in Los Angeles, a restrictive order Tuesday night.
“The termination of funding for direct legal representation for unaccompanied children without any plans to ensure continuity of representation may violate Congress’ clear directives in the TVRPA,” she said.
The Reauthorization Act of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2008 provides special protection for children vulnerable to exploitation. It requires the government to “maximumly ensure that all unaccompanied children are granted legal counsel to represent them in “legal litigation.”
Reliefs are temporary, but Martínez-Olguín said: “Continuous funding for unaccompanied children promotes efficiency and equity within the immigration system.”
Johnathan Ross, who represents the government, said that despite the cuts, the groups could continue to provide unpaid services, pointing to other parts of the contract, including knowledgeable plans.
The Immigration Defenders Law Center has begun laying off employees like other groups. Their attorneys have said ending the plan could immediately harm children through scheduled asylum appointments and court hearings.
