A federal judge mandates the resumption of legal aid funding for 26,000 undocumented children, asserting it enhances equity within the immigration process.
A US District Judge in San Francisco, Araceli Martinez-Olguin, directed the US government to reinstate temporary funding for legal services to unaccompanied migrant youths, emphasizing the importance of fair representation.
By order of the Judge on Tuesday, several thousands of undocumented minors are spared the loss of their legal representatives. This action was in response to the cancellation of a government contract with a non-profit organization that provides these children with legal support, a move made by the Trump Administration.
The contract with the Acacia Center for Justice was abruptly terminated by the Trump administration on March 21.
In strong opposition, Acacia’s executive director, Shaina Aber, argued that legal assistance for vulnerable children is now more critical than ever, especially as the administration increases the frequency of deportations.
“The administration’s decision to eliminate these services undermines due process, disproportionately affects vulnerable children, and endangers those who have already suffered severe trauma, putting them at risk of further harm or exploitation,” said Aber in a press release.
Subcontractors linked with Acacia took legal action, claiming the 2008 anti-trafficking law obligates the government to provide legal representation to these susceptible children, many of whom are too young or lack the ability to communicate effectively in English.
Judge Martinez-Olguin sided with the advocates, recognizing their concerns regarding the legislation’s compliance. She ruled that funding for legal representation should persist until the case’s resolution.
“The Court additionally notes that ongoing funding for legal representation of unaccompanied children enhances the efficiency and fairness of the immigration system,” she concluded in her ruling.
The order is set to become effective on Wednesday and will continue until April 16.
This marks the third legal challenge within a week to the Trump Administration’s immigration policies, all of which may prove to be temporary as the litigation progresses.
In Boston on Friday, a federal judge determined that individuals facing imminent deportation must be granted a substantial opportunity to plead against being sent to countries other than their own.
In San Francisco on Monday, another federal judge paused measures to revoke legal protections for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans, including approximately 350,000 whose status was set to expire on April 7.
By order of the Judge on Tuesday, several thousands of undocumented minors are spared the loss of their legal representatives. This action was in response to the cancellation of a government contract with a non-profit organization that provides these children with legal support, a move made by the Trump Administration.
The contract with the Acacia Center for Justice was abruptly terminated by the Trump administration on March 21.
In strong opposition, Acacia’s executive director, Shaina Aber, argued that legal assistance for vulnerable children is now more critical than ever, especially as the administration increases the frequency of deportations.
“The administration’s decision to eliminate these services undermines due process, disproportionately affects vulnerable children, and endangers those who have already suffered severe trauma, putting them at risk of further harm or exploitation,” said Aber in a press release.
Subcontractors linked with Acacia took legal action, claiming the 2008 anti-trafficking law obligates the government to provide legal representation to these susceptible children, many of whom are too young or lack the ability to communicate effectively in English.
Judge Martinez-Olguin sided with the advocates, recognizing their concerns regarding the legislation’s compliance. She ruled that funding for legal representation should persist until the case’s resolution.
“The Court additionally notes that ongoing funding for legal representation of unaccompanied children enhances the efficiency and fairness of the immigration system,” she concluded in her ruling.
The order is set to become effective on Wednesday and will continue until April 16.
This marks the third legal challenge within a week to the Trump Administration’s immigration policies, all of which may prove to be temporary as the litigation progresses.
In Boston on Friday, a federal judge determined that individuals facing imminent deportation must be granted a substantial opportunity to plead against being sent to countries other than their own.
In San Francisco on Monday, another federal judge paused measures to revoke legal protections for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans, including approximately 350,000 whose status was set to expire on April 7.
