Expiration of federal contract threatens legal aid for over 24,000 immigrant children

A federal contract that financed nonprofit attorneys for unaccompanied immigrant children expired on July 31, leaving more than 24,000 minors without guaranteed legal aid. The agreement, administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, supported roughly 90 organizations across the country, from the Immigrant Defenders Law Center in Los Angeles to Estrella El Paso in Texas and the Door in New York. Advocates say the loss of counsel will strip children of a critical safeguard against abuse and wrongful removal, especially as the Trump administration has withheld about $65 million in reimbursements for services already rendered.

The dispute has generated a federal class-action lawsuit and a scheduled hearing on August 6, while senators and representatives urge swift legislative action. Critics contend the move threatens compliance with the 2008 William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act, which mandates legal representation for such youths. The situation highlights broader concerns about due process and government accountability in immigration proceedings.