NYC Court: Unrepresented Migrant Children Face Deportation
Migrant children in New York shelters are attending virtual immigration hearings without legal representation due to the termination of a federal contract funding legal services for unaccompanied minors. This has led to a significant increase in the number of children appearing in court without attorneys, leaving them vulnerable to deportation. Data shows a stark contrast in deportation rates between represented and unrepresented children, with the latter facing a much higher likelihood of removal. The situation has prompted nonprofits to scramble for alternative funding and advocates to call for state intervention to fill the massive funding gap.
John Q. Hosedrinker