Lawsuit Claims Trump Administration Turned Child Asylum Process into Rapid Deportation Pipeline

Six immigrant-rights organizations have brought a lawsuit in Maryland accusing the Trump administration of converting the asylum system for unaccompanied children into a "deportation assembly line." The filing alleges that USCIS now gives children as little as 24 hours—or even hours—notice before critical asylum interviews, and that a DOJ directive requires all pending child cases to be completed by the end of January 2027.

Plaintiffs note more than 600 asylum interviews scheduled since August, often overlapping, making it impossible for attorneys to be present, and cite cases where sick children were forced to interview despite medical emergencies. The complaint further highlights a lapse in federal funding for legal aid, leaving many minors without qualified representation. Government officials declined comment, saying hearings cannot be set on short notice unless requested and that cases are handled according to applicable law.