Protect Vulnerable Children

For decades and across presidential administrations, the federal government has supported legal services for unaccompanied children as part of efforts to implement key safeguards in the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA), the Flores Settlement, and related policies and regulations. These protections, developed through broad bipartisan support, are designed to help children navigate a complex immigration system and ensure children are not returned to trafficking or other harm.

On February 18, 2025, funding for these legal services contracts (covering more than 26,000 child cases) was halted nationwide (for review and reconsideration) by the current Administration. Three days later the administration rescinded the stop-work order, restoring legal services until last Friday, March 21st when the funding/contracts were not renewed indefinitely. Without these services, we leave children (some as young as toddlers) vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and trafficking.

Let’s tell our elected officials that the safety of migrant children is an area we’re not willing to compromise. All children should be protected from these vulnerabilities.

Here’s an idea of what to say when you call:

Hi, I’m ____. And I live in _____. I’m a Christian who is concerned about vulnerable kids. I was alarmed to hear about the elimination of funding for legal service contracts for unaccompanied children—including those separated from an immigrant parent or legal guardian.

I urge you to prioritize the protection of these migrant children by ensuring that the funding for the contract to provide essential legal services for children is revisited and restored to ensure safeguards and legal representation for unaccompanied children.

Thank you for your time and attention to this urgent matter. I appreciate your leadership and commitment to safeguarding children in need regardless of citizenship status.