25,000 children lose legal protections after contract ends

Thousands of unaccompanied immigrant children in the United States are facing a sudden loss of legal representation after a federal contract that funds their access to attorneys expired on Friday. The agreement, which had been in place for several years, covered the costs of legal services for children who arrive alone at the border and are placed in the Department of Health and Human Services’ custody. With the contract’s expiration, the agency has not yet secured a replacement arrangement, leaving many families uncertain about how to proceed with their cases.

The Department of Health and Human Services has announced that it is exploring alternative funding options, but no definitive plan has been released. Legal advocates warn that the gap could delay or deny crucial legal assistance, potentially affecting the children’s eligibility for asylum, family reunification, or other immigration relief. The situation underscores the broader challenges facing the U.S. immigration system, where funding and policy shifts frequently disrupt the continuity of services for vulnerable populations.