Los Angeles, CA, March 21, 2025—Public Counsel issued the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s decision to cut funding for legal representation for thousands of undocumented children who arrive in the United States without parents or guardians:

“Today, the Trump administration eliminated funding for legal services for unaccompanied children fleeing violence and trauma. Public Counsel serves more than 200 of these children each year, and words cannot describe the heartlessness of this decision.

“These are vulnerable children—many who are very young, and some survivors of human trafficking. All children—regardless of immigration status—have legal rights. But kids aren’t equipped with the knowledge or tools they need to exercise those rights. Many of the children we serve are grade-school age, afraid and traumatized, and some don’t speak English as their first language. It’s difficult for adults in these circumstances to navigate the legal process, so the challenges these children face are unimaginable.

“Without lawyers, these children are at greater risk of exploitation and harm. They will lose access to school, shelter, food, and medical assistance. They will be forced to stand alone in court—facing government lawyers and judges—without legal representation. Immigrants who are unrepresented are nearly five times less likely to succeed in their immigration case. 

“Without access to legal counsel, many of these children will be forced to return to the very dangers they fled— and some will suffer, even die as a result.” 

“We urge the administration to reverse this cruel decision, and we call upon Congress to take immediate steps to protect these children. No child should ever have to face a courtroom alone.”

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For media inquiries, email Faith with Rise Strategy Group here.

About Public Counsel

Public Counsel is a nonprofit public interest law firm dedicated to advancing civil rights and racial and economic justice, as well as to amplifying the power of our clients through comprehensive legal advocacy. Founded on and strengthened by a pro bono legal service model, our staff and volunteers seek justice through direct legal services, promote healthy and resilient communities through education and outreach, and support community-led efforts to transform unjust systems through litigation and policy advocacy in and beyond Los Angeles.