Senators Lisa Murkowski and Jon Ossoff have publicly condemned the Trump administration's decision to end a federal contract that provided legal representation to 26,000 unaccompanied migrant children. They argue this move jeopardizes the safety of these children, increasing risks of trafficking and preventing fair legal processes. The senators emphasize that ending such representation leaves young children to navigate complex legal systems alone, which could lead to significant repercussions for their futures. They further raise concerns over the implications regarding compliance with the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008.
The decision to end the contract "puts children directly at risk of trafficking and exploitation, and harms any hope of a fair legal process for thousands of vulnerable children," wrote Senators Ossoff and Murkowski.
"Terminating legal representation for these children means that toddlers will now face a courtroom and judge with no adult to advocate on their behalf," Ossoff and Murkowski cautioned.
Ending the legal funding might violate the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008, which mandates HHS to ensure that unaccompanied children have legal representation.
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