Small Texas law firm set to receive $150M to represent unaccompanied migrant children
The U.S. government is awarding a $150 million contract to a small Texas law firm to represent unaccompanied migrant children, replacing a network of experienced legal nonprofits. Critics argue the firm lacks the necessary immigration law expertise to handle these sensitive cases.
Why it matters
The shift in legal representation raises significant concerns regarding the quality of defense for vulnerable minors facing deportation proceedings.
Migrant children line up to enter a tent at the Homestead Temporary Shelter for Unaccompanied Children in Homestead, Fla. in February 2019.
AUSTIN, Texas — The federal government plans to award $150 million to a small Texas law firm with ties to the Trump administration to represent unaccompanied immigrant children in government custody without a guardian during immigration proceedings, according to a notice set to post to the Federal Register on Thursday.
The government has been required by law for decades to protect migrant children who are in the country illegally without guardians, over fears they could be exploited, abused or trafficked. Some of the children are so young they haven't learned to talk and without adequate representation it is almost guaranteed that kids will be deported.
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