Federal Funding for Migrant Children's Legal Aid Expires

Why it matters locally: The expiration of federal funding for legal aid to unaccompanied migrant children could increase pressure on Massachusetts social services and legal aid organizations, which may see an increase in pro bono requests for these vulnerable individuals.

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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.