For nearly two decades, Acacia Center for Justice’s nonprofit network provided critical legal services to unaccompanied children. These young people arrive in our country without a parent or legal guardian, often fleeing violence, trafficking, abuse, or persecution. Some are too young to read or write. Even after the government refused to pay more than $65 million for counsel already provided, Acacia and our partners continued to serve these vulnerable children. Now, the Trump administration is dismantling a trusted network that has protected their rights.

Congress must ensure that unaccompanied children continue to have access to qualified attorneys who specialize in immigration law and know how to work with children, especially ones who are also experiencing trauma. Taking away that representation puts their safety, rights, and futures at risk.

Now is the time to act.