James Fights Trump’s Attack on Unaccompanied Child Advocates

NEW YORK – Attorney General Letitia James is throwing down in a legal battle to protect vital services for unaccompanied immigrant children, fighting a move by the Trump administration to yank funding for their legal representation. The fight centers on a contract cancellation that threatens to leave thousands of vulnerable kids – many fleeing horrific conditions – to navigate the treacherous US immigration system alone.

James, along with 19 other state Attorneys General, filed an amicus brief with the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, arguing that federal law *demands* the government provide these children with legal assistance “to the greatest extent practicable.” The administration’s attempt to cut these funds isn’t just callous, it’s a direct violation of the law, James asserts. The case stems from the 2024 Unaccompanied Children Program Foundational Rule, mandating the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) fund organizations providing direct legal representation. Trump’s move to dismantle that funding jeopardizes kids facing deportation with no advocate in their corner.

“Abandoning support for children who have come to America fleeing violence and abuse is unbelievably cruel,” James stated bluntly. “Everyone – no matter who they are – deserves legal help, especially children without a parent or guardian to rely on. Immigration lawyers can help children get the health care, housing, and education they need, and I will keep fighting to ensure no child is left to fend for themselves.” The stakes are high: children without legal representation are more than twice as likely to be deported. A recent study confirms that nearly all children granted relief in immigration court – asylum, withholding of removal, and other protections – had legal counsel.

The impact in New York is expected to be significant. ICare, a major provider of legal services for these children, estimates over 10,600 unaccompanied children will arrive in the state between 2021 and 2026, and will likely require legal assistance. These aren’t just numbers; they are kids who desperately need help accessing healthcare, housing, education, and, in many cases, a guardian to provide stability. Children who’ve suffered abuse, abandonment, or neglect depend on immigration attorneys to navigate child welfare proceedings and find safety.

James and the coalition are hammering the point that the Trump administration’s actions are not only immoral but also illegal. The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA) specifically requires the federal government to ensure legal counsel for these children, protecting them from mistreatment, exploitation, and trafficking. Congress has already allocated the funds; ORR’s attempt to withhold them is a clear overreach. The coalition is urging the court to uphold a lower court’s preliminary injunction, preventing the Trump administration from cutting off these crucial services.

Joining James in the fight are the Attorneys General of Arizona, California, and others. The outcome of this case will determine whether vulnerable children arriving in the US will have a fighting chance at securing their rights and building a safe future, or be left to navigate a complex and unforgiving system alone. Grimy Times will continue to track this developing story and expose any attempts to harm those most in need.

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