Estrella del Paso, a nonprofit in El Paso, Texas, has been ordered to stop providing legal services to unaccompanied migrant children, raising concerns among its attorneys. Managing attorney Jacob Wedemeyer argues the order contradicts theor ethical duty, as many kids rely on them for legal support before immigration court.
While the organization can still offer help through its other refugee services, the program for unaccompanied children now needs alternative funding. Executive director Melissa Lopez warns that without financial resources, their ability to assist the vulnerable demographic will be severely impacted.
“The problem with the stop works order is that it interferes with our ethical duties as attorneys towards our child clients,” she said.
Lopez estimates that over 2,000 open cases will be affected. She highlights the lengthy immigration process and the risk of children facing court alone without proper legal representation.
“I would estimate about 2,000 plus open cases,” she said. “Cases in the immigration system take a long time to work their way through the system.”
The program was funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement. The cut could lead to more deportation orders for children. Estrella del Paso now plans to sue the federal government to challenge the decision and continue its mission.
