New Resource on the Critical Role of Legal Representation for Unaccompanied Children

/ General, Immigration Court, Pro Bono, Working with Children

The information in this blog post is current as of April 16, 2025.

The ABA’s Commission on Immigration released a new explainer, “Unaccompanied Minors in Immigration Court: The Critical Role of Legal Representation.” This new explainer describes why legal representation is crucial for unaccompanied children in immigration court proceedings. Attorneys help children navigate complex applications for relief, ensuring they understand their rights and options. Without attorneys, children face significant challenges in participating in their cases, leading to unfair outcomes and increased vulnerability to trafficking and exploitation. Legal representation makes the process more efficient and helps judges more easily adjudicate cases, promoting due process and safeguarding children's rights.

Read the new resource here.

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The ABA calls on members of the legal profession to contact their elected officials to urge the administration to reinstate full funding for legal services for unaccompanied children and oppose any efforts that restrict access to legal services and information for these children.