WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration on Friday ended a contract that gives authorized assist to migrant kids coming into the nation and not using a father or mother or guardian, elevating considerations that kids will likely be compelled to navigate the complicated authorized system alone.
The Acacia Heart for Justice contracts with the federal government to offer authorized companies by its community of suppliers across the nation to unaccompanied migrant kids beneath 18, each by offering direct authorized illustration in addition to conducting authorized orientations — sometimes called “know your rights” clinics — to migrant kids who cross the border alone and are in federal authorities shelters.
Acacia mentioned they had been knowledgeable Friday that the U.S. Division of Well being and Human Providers was terminating practically all of the authorized work that the middle does, together with paying for attorneys for roughly 26,000 kids once they go to immigration court docket. They’re nonetheless contracted to carry the authorized orientation clinics.
“It’s extremely concerning because it’s leaving these kids without really important support,” mentioned Ailin Buigues, who heads Acacia’s unaccompanied kids program. “They’re often in a very vulnerable position.”
Individuals combating deportation wouldn’t have the identical proper to illustration as individuals going by prison courts, though they will rent non-public attorneys. However there was some recognition that kids navigating the immigration court docket system and not using a father or mother or guardian are particularly weak.
The Trafficking Victims Safety Act of 2008 created particular protections for youngsters who arrive within the U.S. and not using a father or mother or a authorized guardian.
The termination comes days earlier than the contract was to return up for renewal on March 29. Roughly a month in the past the federal government quickly halted all of the authorized work Acacia and its subcontractors do for immigrant kids, however then days later Well being and Human Providers reversed that call.
A replica of the termination letter obtained by The Related Press mentioned the contract was being terminated “for the Government’s convenience.”
Michael Lukens is the chief director of Amica, which is without doubt one of the suppliers contracting with Acacia within the Washington, D.C. space. He mentioned with the renewal date swiftly approaching, that they had been fearful one thing like this might occur.
He mentioned they’ll proceed to assist as many youngsters as they will “for as long as possible” and can attempt to struggle the termination.
“We’re trying to pull every lever but we have to be prepared for the worst, which is children going to court without attorneys all over the country. This is a complete collapse of the system,” he mentioned.
