Congresswoman Torres Statement on Trump Administration Halting Vital Legal Services for Unaccompanied Children
Elimination of Legal Services Undermines Efforts to Protect Children and Ensures Unnecessary Harm
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Norma Torres (D-CA) issued the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s decision to cut critical federally-funded legal services for more than 26,000 unaccompanied migrant children in the United States, including vital pro bono representation and other legal assistance:
“The Trump Administration’s decision to halt funding for essential legal services for unaccompanied children is an outrageous and disgusting attack on some of the most vulnerable members of our society. The people in my district understand just how critical these protections are for children who have already faced unimaginable trauma in their journeys to the U.S. This decision undercuts the administration’s supposed desire to prevent trafficking, exploitation, and other abuses that put these children at risk. Without legal representation, these children will be forced to navigate complex immigration processes alone—putting their safety and futures in jeopardy.”
“I am deeply concerned that this decision, made by the Administration, will cause unnecessary harm to thousands of children and families. As someone who represents a district that has seen firsthand the importance of such protections, I will continue to fight tirelessly to restore these critical services. Congress must act immediately to provide full funding to the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) in the FY 2026 appropriations process to ensure unaccompanied children are not left vulnerable without legal representation. I will continue to push for bipartisan action to protect the safety and dignity of every child seeking refuge in the United States.”
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