Justice Department Reverses Funding Cuts for Immigration Court Guidance Programs
After nonprofit groups sued the federal government over a stop-work order that stopped funding for programs helping people in immigration courts and detention centers, the U.S. Justice Department decided to restore funding just days after the lawsuit was filed.
These four federally funded programs help individuals facing deportation by teaching them about their rights and the complicated immigration process. On January 22, the Justice Department had ordered nonprofits to immediately stop their work on these programs. This decision came after an executive order signed by President Donald Trump aimed at addressing illegal immigration.
The Impact of the Stop-Work Order
In response to the stop-work order, a coalition of nonprofit groups filed a federal lawsuit demanding the programs be reinstated. The Justice Department rescinded the order just days later, on January 27.
The nonprofit organizations were concerned that without these programs, individuals would have to go through the complicated immigration system without help. Advocates worried this would lead to violations of due process rights and increase delays in immigration courts.
On-the-Ground Impact
The effects of the stop-work order were immediately felt:
Ruby Robinson, a managing attorney at the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, had to post a notice at the Detroit immigration court saying the help desk was no longer available. People seeking help were turned away.
At a Virginia detention center, staff from the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights tried to continue their work but were escorted out after talking to detainees.
In Chicago, a help desk at a busy immigration court that had helped over 2,000 people in 2024 could no longer offer full services.
Many programs also saw their posters and resources removed from detention centers, reducing access to legal help.
Funding and Political Support
The federal government allocates $29 million annually for the four programs:
Legal Orientation Program
Immigration Court Helpdesk
Family Group Legal Orientation
Counsel for Children Initiative
This funding is spread among nonprofit organizations across the U.S. and has bipartisan support in Congress. Despite the cuts, many organizations rely on additional fundraising to cover costs.
In Trump’s first term, these programs were also targeted, but in 2018, a coalition of groups successfully challenged the funding cuts. This time, however, the stop-work order came suddenly, and its effects were felt almost immediately.
Why These Programs Are Important
Immigration law is very complex. Unlike criminal courts, people do not have the right to an attorney if they cannot afford one. As a result, many people go through their immigration hearings without legal representation.
There is currently a backlog of about 3.7 million cases in immigration courts. This means people often have to wait for years for their cases to be heard. Advocates say these programs help speed up the process by teaching people what to expect and what they need to do. This helps courts run more smoothly and can reduce wait times for filing.
The Value of Legal Support
These programs ensure that people’s due process rights are respected. They also help people meet filing deadlines, provide translators, and prevent unlawful deportations.
For example, Milagro, a 69-year-old Venezuelan woman, came to the U.S. in May 2024 seeking asylum due to political persecution. She relied on the help desk at the El Paso immigration court to guide her. However, after the stop-work order, she was unable to access the services she needed, leaving her feeling isolated and uncertain about her case.
A Broader Impact
The Justice Department’s decision to restore funding brings relief to these programs. It allows them to continue helping people go through an already overwhelming system. As places like the Antelope Valley and other communities see more immigrants seeking refuge in the U.S., these programs are crucial in providing support and protecting due process rights in immigration courts across the country.
