On Friday, March 21, 2025, the government cut funding for legal advocates for unaccompanied immigrant children nationwide. More than 26,000 children will lose their attorneys and go to court alone. More will be harmed each year without this program in the future.

This funding keeps children safe. It ensures that kids live in good homes, go to school, and get the medical care they need. It also keeps them safe from abuse and trafficking. It helps kids who have fled violence, sexual abuse, gangs, cartels, and many other situations that no child should ever have to live through.

“Over the past week, Trump has expanded his unlawful war against immigrants. Now, he is setting his sights on children. Protecting children is the hallmark of our humanity, but sadly, we are seeing how little humanity resides in this administration,” said Michael Lukens, Executive Director at Amica Center. “Attorneys play a vital role in both protecting individual children by being their advocates and keeping shelters accountable through independent access. Funding legal advocacy for unaccompanied children is the best way to protect children.

This is the second time Trump has attacked this funding. We won last time, and we will win this time. We will continue to push back—in the courts and Congress. Time is of the essence—please help us fight back to ensure all children are safe and protected.

Please consider making a donation and contacting your representatives:

Donate now to allow our attorneys to challenge these harmful policies through strategic litigation.

Contact your representatives and urge them to defend legal services for immigrant children.