Federal Funding for Migrant Children's Legal Aid Expires

Why it matters locally: While the direct impact is national, Minnesota is home to a significant number of immigrant and refugee communities, and local organizations may face increased demand for pro bono legal services if federal support for unaccompanied minors diminishes.

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WASHINGTON – A federal contract that funded legal representation for unaccompanied migrant children has concluded, potentially affecting the legal status of thousands of minors. The Acacia Center for Justice, a non-profit organization, held the contract for the past five years. Ali Rogin discussed the implications with Shaina Aber, executive director of the Acacia Center for Justice. The organization had provided legal services to unaccompanied children under the terms of the expiring agreement.