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Urgent Need for Pro Bono Assistance for Unaccompanied Immigrant Children From the Pro Bono Institute at Georgetown University Law Center and the ABA Commission on Immigration Each year, more than 5,000 unaccompanied immigrant children, ranging from infants to teenagers, are taken into federal custody. Some are apprehended at the border, after embarking on perilous journeys to the U.S., while others may be detained in the interior. With no right to paid counsel, as many as half of these children do not receive any legal representation at all in immigration court. Alone, they must attempt to resolve their immigration status in adversarial proceedings against trained and experienced Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) attorneys. While the number of unaccompanied immigrant children in federal custody has been steadily increasing, during the first two weeks of June alone the amount of children in need of representation in El Paso, TX has nearly doubled and is expected to top 100 very soon. These children desperately need pro bono assistance, as there are very few service providers in El Paso who represent children, and these groups unfortunately do not have the resources to meet this overwhelming need. Many children in immigration proceedings are fleeing persecution, gang violence, family abuse, or other trauma. These children are alone, frightened and confused, and many have valid claims for legal relief including asylum or Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. Without the assistance of counsel, however, prevailing in immigration court is highly unlikely for these children, and they are faced with returning to the often life-threatening conditions from which they have fled. Providing pro bono assistance to unaccompanied immigrant children is an unparalleled opportunity to serve the community and to advocate for the most vulnerable members of our society. Attorneys, paralegals, accredited representatives, and law students are all encouraged to volunteer their time, and no previous immigration experience is required. If you are interested in helping these children, either in El Paso or in other parts of the country, please contact Irena Lieberman, Staff Director, ABA Commission on Immigration, at (202) 662-1008 or liebermi@staff.abanet.org. |