WASHINGTON, D.C. – A federal judge has temporarily stopped the Trump administration from cutting funding for a program that offers legal help to unaccompanied migrant children. The ruling protects thousands of children who depend on this aid for help with immigration court proceedings.
Judge Says Funding Cuts Could Cause Serious Harm
U.S. District Judge Araceli Martinez Olguin ruled on Tuesday night that the decision to end funding for the program would cause real and immediate financial harm to the legal aid groups involved.
“The irreparable harm resulting from Defendants’ actions weighs in favor of temporary injunctive relief,” she wrote.
The judge added that cutting this support would interfere with the groups’ ability to carry out their work of representing migrant children in court.
Program Supports Over 26,000 Migrant Children
The program at the center of this case provides legal representation to over 26,000 unaccompanied migrant children in the United States. These are minors who arrived at the border without a parent or legal guardian and now face immigration proceedings.
Legal aid groups had been awarded more than $200 million in federal grants, but last week, the government partially ended their contracts, cutting funds specifically meant for direct legal help and attorney recruitment.
Court: Legal Help Is Essential for Fairness and Efficiency
Judge Olguin said in her ruling that keeping this funding helps the immigration system work better by making it more efficient and fair.
“The continued funding of legal representation for unaccompanied children promotes efficiency and fairness within the immigration system,” she noted.
Advocates Call the Ruling a Win for Children
Michael Lukens, Executive Director of the Amica Center, which provides legal help to migrant children in Washington, D.C., welcomed the court’s decision.
“This is a win for advocates who work with unaccompanied children every day,” Lukens said.
“There should be no political divide over protecting children.”
He also emphasized that while this is only the first step in the legal fight, it shows that the courts are recognizing the damage the funding cut could cause to both children and the organizations supporting them.
The ruling is a temporary injunction, meaning the funding cannot be cut for now. However, the legal battle continues. Advocacy groups are expected to keep fighting in court to make sure the program is fully restored.