We all want to live in a world where children are safe and protected. But yesterday, in a superfluously cruel move, Trump issued a national Stop Work Order to nonprofit organizations that provide free legal support to immigrant children. 

More than 26,000 children may lose their attorneys, and those as young as infants will be forced to go to immigration court alone. Approximately 100,000 more children may also lose access to free programs designed to educate them about their rights. 

The children who benefit from these programs include those who have fled systemic violence, sexual abuse, gang recruitment, domestic violence, and many other situations that no child should ever have to endure. The Stop Work Order defunds legal support for these children who fled to the United States without a parent or guardian. The services that will be lost include “know your rights,” education for minors in government shelters, and legal consultations and representation.  

“Not since family separation has Trump aimed to so brazenly hurt immigrant children,” said Michael Lukens, Executive Director of the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights, adding that “It is unconscionable that the government would turn its back on the most vulnerable in our communities, leaving children without critical support and causing irreparable harm, to satisfy the White House’s political whims.” 

If the Stop Work Order stands, immigrant children will be left to fend for themselves. It is time for the public to make their voices heard. Call your representatives and demand that these services be put back into full effect.  Help us continue to fight back by donating today.