Judge Temporarily Restores Legal Aid Funding for Migrant Children

A federal court ruling requires the U.S. government to reinstate legal aid for 26,000 unaccompanied minors, citing fairness and efficiency in the immigration system.

A federal judge in San Francisco ordered the Trump administration to temporarily restart funding for legal representation for unaccompanied migrant children after the termination of a major contract on March 21.
The temporary restraining order prevents 26,000 minors from losing legal aid and will remain in effect until April 16, as the court evaluates broader legal arguments.
The ruling highlights the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA), with plaintiffs arguing it mandates legal representation for vulnerable children, a claim disputed by the government.
The judge emphasized that continued funding promotes fairness and efficiency in the immigration system, which faces potential chaos without legal aid for minors.
The Acacia Center for Justice, whose contract was canceled, warned that the funding cuts risk exploitation, deportations without due process, and harm to already-traumatized children.