Justice Department directs federally funded legal aid organizations to cease assistance in immigration courts
The Department of Justice, now under new leadership after Donald Trump’s inauguration, has instructed legal service providers that receive federal funding to cease offering legal orientation and other forms of assistance to immigrants in immigration courts.
In a memo acquired by ABC News, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has instructed all legal providers in those regions to cease their operations immediately.
The memo stated, “You are hereby notified to cease work immediately in accordance with the Executive Order on the task orders listed below.” The programs identified in the memo encompass the Legal Orientation Program, the Immigration Court Helpdesk, the Family Group Legal Orientation Program, and the Counsel for Children Initiative.
Legal service providers are commonly found in immigration courts throughout the country, offering assistance to individuals in navigating immigration court proceedings and managing legal paperwork.
According to a statement from Acacia Center for Justice, the suspension of these long-established programs could potentially leave numerous vulnerable immigrants, including children and families, without the essential access to legal information and representation.
The Department of Justice issued the directive following a report by ABC News, which revealed the removal of four high-ranking officials from the Executive Office for Immigration Review. This office, responsible for overseeing immigration courts, saw a significant shake-up.
The podium in the briefing room of the U.S. Justice Department headquarters is adorned with the seal of the department. This was observed before a news conference held in Washington on January 24, 2023, featuring the Attorney General.
Kevin Lamarque/Reuters
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According to experts and advocates interviewed by ABC News, migrants who do not have legal representation are forced to navigate the complex pathways of relief on their own. They must complete paperwork in a language they may not be familiar with and present their arguments before a judge without any assistance.
According to a previous report by ABC News, data from the DOJ in 2023 revealed that a mere 56% of unaccompanied minors in immigration courts had legal representation. This meant that thousands of young migrants had to face federal immigration judges without the assistance of counsel.
The DOJ memo highlights the Counsel for Children Initiative, a program that offers legal representation to children during immigration court proceedings.
The number of pending immigration cases in both adult and child immigration courts has reached an all-time high of 3.5 million.
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