From Mother Jones · Samantha Michaels · · 1m 10s
Trump Administration Plans New Lawyers for Migrant Kids
Trump administration to represent unaccompanied migrant children in immigration court with its own lawyers.
In brief
Trump administration to represent unaccompanied migrant children in immigration court with its own lawyers. Trump administration will use government lawyers to represent unaccompanied migrant children in immigration court, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and lack of independent legal representation…
New Legal Plan for Migrant Kids
Trump administration announces its own lawyers will represent unaccompanied migrant children in immigration court.
Conflict of Interest Concerns
Immigration advocates worry about lack of independence in government lawyers representing vulnerable children.
Previous Legal Network Ended
The administration ended the contract with independent nonprofits after they refused to share privileged information.
New Lawyers in HHS
New lawyers will be housed in the Department of Health and Human Services under a dedicated legal division.
Legal Protections Require Independence
Federal law requires independent lawyers for unaccompanied minors to protect them from harm and exploitation.
“The federal rules in place to protect immigrant kids from harm and exploitation 'rely on experienced legal representatives trained to work with children.'”
Other Legal Issues
Immigration advocates fear the administration will deport kids instead of providing legal support.
Contract Changes
The administration changed legal contracts multiple times after backlash over unqualified firms.
The takeaway
Trump administration will use government lawyers to represent unaccompanied migrant children in immigration court, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and lack of independent legal representation.
