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Thousands of Migrant Children Face Deportation Risks as Legal Aid Deal Expires

Thousands of Migrant Children Face Deportation Risks as Legal Aid Deal Expires

Advocates are warning that tens of thousands of migrant children who entered the United States alone could lose legal representation in immigration court due to the expiration of a contract with legal services providers. The Trump administration has allowed the contract, which facilitated legal services for these children, to expire. This contract involved nearly 100 legal groups across the country, providing services to approximately 20,000 children. Without legal representation, these children face increased risks of deportation, as they navigate complex immigration proceedings without professional guidance.

Legal Aid Expiration Puts Migrant Children at Risk of Deportation

Legal Aid Expiration Puts Migrant Children at Risk of Deportation

Advocates warn that tens of thousands of unaccompanied migrant children in the U.S. could lose legal representation as a federal contract for legal services expires. This contract, which supports nearly 100 legal groups, has been crucial in providing legal aid to approximately 20,000 children. The Trump administration's decision not to renew the contract aligns with its broader immigration enforcement policies. Legal service providers emphasize the critical role of legal representation in protecting these children from deportation and ensuring their rights are upheld in immigration court.

Thousands of migrant children in the US could face new deportation risks as legal aid deal expires

Thousands of migrant children in the US could face new deportation risks as legal aid deal expires

Migrant children who came to the U.S. alone could soon face immigration court without legal representation

Legal Support for Unaccompanied Minors in the U.S. at Risk as Federal Contract Expires

Legal Support for Unaccompanied Minors in the U.S. at Risk as Federal Contract Expires

A federal contract that provided legal services to approximately 24,000 unaccompanied minors in the United States has expired, raising concerns about the future of these children's legal representation. The contract, which funded about 100 legal groups nationwide, allowed these organizations to offer legal assistance to children who entered the U.S. without documentation or a legal guardian. With the contract's expiration, it remains unclear who will take over the responsibility of representing these minors. Melissa Lopez, executive director of Estrella El Paso, expressed uncertainty about the children's future legal representation. The Trump administration has not provided a reason for allowing the contract to lapse, nor has the Department of Health and Human Services commented on future policies. The expiration coincides with the administration's broader deportation efforts, which aim to expedite court processes and increase deportations.

Migrant children lose legal aid as El Paso program shuts down

Migrant children lose legal aid as El Paso program shuts down

Estrella del Paso is shutting down its defense program for unaccompanied minors as a federal contract ends.

More Than 25,000 Children Lose Legal Protections as Federal Contract Ends

More Than 25,000 Children Lose Legal Protections as Federal Contract Ends

Over 25,000 unaccompanied children in the U.S. are set to lose independent legal representation due to the expiration of a federal contract with legal service providers. The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) stopped funding these services after a dispute over confidential information. Legal groups have been providing essential services to these children, who are at risk of deportation without representation. The situation has led to staff reductions and concerns about the children's safety and legal rights.

Immigration crackdown threatens Haitian caregivers and the seniors who rely on them

Immigration crackdown threatens Haitian caregivers and the seniors who rely on them

A Supreme Court decision allowing the Trump administration to end temporary protected status for hundreds of thousands of Haitians is rippling far beyond immigration courts

Long-Dormant Court Holds First Public Hearing in Afghan Woman's Deportation Case

Long-Dormant Court Holds First Public Hearing in Afghan Woman's Deportation Case

The Trump administration has activated a long-dormant court to seek the deportation of Nazira Haji Zada, an Afghan woman alleged to be an Islamic State supporter. This marks the first case heard by the Alien Terrorist Removal Court since its creation 30 years ago. Defense lawyer Matthew Farley argued that the activation of this court violates Zada's constitutional rights, urging the dismissal of the case. The court, established in 1996, had never received a petition until the Justice Department filed an application for Zada's removal. The case is part of President Trump's aggressive deportation campaign, which has led to numerous immigration proceedings.

9th Circuit Court Rejects Trump’s Mandatory Immigrant Detention Policy, Supreme Court Challenge Looms

9th Circuit Court Rejects Trump’s Mandatory Immigrant Detention Policy, Supreme Court Challenge Looms

The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled against the Trump administration's policy of mandatory detention for immigrants, aligning with the 7th Circuit's decision. This policy, which required immigrants to be held without bond while contesting deportation, has been deemed applicable only to those caught at the border. The ruling affects jurisdictions along the southern border, where many immigrants are detained. The decision mandates bond hearings for immigrants, allowing judges to assess the necessity of their detention. This development follows a year after the Department of Homeland Security's directive for mandatory detention, which has led to numerous legal challenges and emergency petitions in federal courts.

State Department Makes Visa Bond Program Permanent, Impacting African Nations

State Department Makes Visa Bond Program Permanent, Impacting African Nations

The U.S. State Department has announced the permanent implementation of a visa bond program initially introduced as a pilot. This program requires citizens from 50 countries, primarily in Africa, to post bonds when applying for U.S. business and tourist visas. The bond amounts have been increased, with a maximum of $20,000, up from the previous $15,000 cap. The program aims to enforce compliance with visa conditions, as overstaying visas has been a significant issue. The Trump administration initially introduced this program to reduce visa overstays and illegal migration. The program has reportedly been successful, with a significant reduction in overstays from the affected countries during the pilot phase.

Judge Rules Against Trump Administration's Travel Ban on Afghan Asylum Seekers

Judge Rules Against Trump Administration's Travel Ban on Afghan Asylum Seekers

A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration cannot apply its travel ban to Afghan asylum seekers and their families. U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga overturned the State Department's policy that blocked family members of asylees from entering the U.S. due to the travel ban. The court ordered the issuance of travel documents to five beneficiaries and reconsideration of two additional applications. This decision challenges the administration's broader travel restrictions, which have been in place since 2025, affecting nationals from several countries, including Afghanistan.

Increased TSA-ICE Collaboration Leads to More Airport Immigration Arrests

Increased TSA-ICE Collaboration Leads to More Airport Immigration Arrests

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have intensified their collaboration, leading to a rise in immigration arrests at U.S. airports. This partnership involves TSA providing ICE with information on noncitizen travelers, including those without criminal records but suspected of civil immigration violations. This marks a significant shift from previous practices where TSA and ICE focused on criminal offenses. The collaboration aims to increase arrest levels, aligning with the Trump administration's goal of 2,000 daily arrests. This policy change has made airports a focal point for immigration enforcement, affecting individuals with pending immigration applications or work permits.