Judge Halts DOJ Funding for Immigrant Legal Aid

Judge Randolph D. Moss has allowed the Department of Justice to temporarily halt federal funding for legal aid and educational programs that assist both undocumented and legal immigrants, including unaccompanied minors and detainees, in immigration proceedings. This suspension reverses a prior order to restore funding and affects multiple programs such as the Legal Orientation Program, which collectively receive tens of millions in annual congressional funding. The funding pause originates from Trump-era executive orders focused on reducing support for illegal immigrants and reviewing related federal contracts. Nonprofit organizations warn that the halt will cause irreparable harm, undermine immigrants' ability to understand their rights, and force the suspension of critical services. Most immigrants facing these proceedings lack guaranteed legal representation, increasing the potential impact. The case remains ongoing, with the next hearing scheduled for mid-May.