New York Attorney General Letitia James has joined forces with 19 other states to defend legal services for unaccompanied immigrant children. These children, many of whom have fled violence and human trafficking in their home countries, often lack parental protection in the United States. The coalition filed an amicus brief with the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, arguing that federal law mandates legal representation for these vulnerable children.
“Abandoning support for children who have come to America fleeing violence and abuse is unbelievably cruel,” said Attorney General James. “Everyone – no matter who they are – deserves legal help, especially children without a parent or guardian to rely on.”
In 2024, the Department of Health and Human Services issued a rule requiring funding for organizations providing direct immigration legal representation to certain unaccompanied children. However, the Trump administration’s cancellation of this federal contract threatens thousands of children facing deportation without legal assistance.
Attorney General James emphasized that unaccompanied children depend on these services to protect their rights as their immigration cases proceed. Studies show that those without representation are more than twice as likely to be deported.
In New York alone, over 10,600 unaccompanied children are expected to need legal representation between 2021 and 2026. Organizations like ICare provide essential services that help these children access healthcare, housing, education, and guardianship.
The coalition argues that cutting off federal funds violates the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA), which requires ensuring legal counsel for all unaccompanied immigrant children. They request the court uphold a preliminary injunction against the Trump administration’s action.
Joining Attorney General James in this effort are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island Vermont Washington and the District Of Columbia.
