Thousands of Migrant Children in US Face Deportation Risk After Legal Aid Contract Ends

Thousands of unaccompanied migrant children in the US could face a higher risk of deportation after a federal legal aid program ended on July 31, leaving around 20,000 children without guaranteed legal support in immigration courts. The program funded nearly 100 legal groups that helped children who arrived in the country without a parent or guardian.

The contract allowed lawyers to visit government shelters, explain children’s rights and represent them during deportation hearings. Advocates warn that many children, including young kids, may now have to face complicated immigration cases without legal help.

The Trump administration has not announced a clear replacement plan. Officials have said they are exploring options, but legal groups say they have received no details about who will take over the cases or whether lawyers will still be allowed inside shelters.

The crisis comes after months of funding problems. Legal service providers say the government owes them about $65 million in unpaid payments since late 2025. Several organizations have cut staff, reduced services or prepared to close because of the financial pressure.

Advocates also raised concerns over demands for private information about children and their cases, saying sharing such details could harm attorney client trust.

Under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008, unaccompanied migrant children receive special protections and can seek asylum or other legal options if they face danger in their home countries. Lawyers fear that without representation, more children could lose access to those protections and face removal from the US.