DOJ Restores Funding for Immigration Legal Aid Programs

The U.S. Department of Justice has reversed a previous order that halted legal aid programs assisting immigrants in detention centers and immigration courts, which had been frozen under the Trump administration. This decision follows a lawsuit from nonprofit organizations challenging the legality of the stop-work order, which was issued on January 22. The reinstated programs, including the Legal Orientation Program and Immigration Court Helpdesk, are crucial for providing legal services to individuals facing deportation, amidst a backlog of approximately 3.5 million immigration cases. Advocates have hailed this reversal as a significant victory for due process, noting the vital support these programs offer to vulnerable populations. The funding for these programs, amounting to $29 million annually, has broad bipartisan backing and is essential for maintaining legal support in immigration proceedings. Legal service providers are now able to resume their operations and continue assisting detainees who were left without guidance during the funding freeze.