The United States has long prided itself on protecting the most vulnerable. Yet, the recent decision to strip migrant children of legal aid is a betrayal of our values.

These are children—alone, frightened, and navigating a complex legal system without guidance.

Denying them legal representation is not just unjust; it is cruel.

For years, the Acacia Center for Justice and its network of providers have been a lifeline, ensuring unaccompanied migrant children receive legal assistance. Their work has offered thousands of children legal representation and crucial “know your rights” orientations. Now, with the termination of nearly all legal services, 26,000 minors are left defenseless, forced to stand alone before immigration judges.

These children are not criminals.

Many are fleeing violence, trafficking, and unimaginable hardships. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2008 was designed to safeguard unaccompanied minors. Yet, without legal help, their chances of receiving protection diminish drastically. How can a child argue their own case in a system so intricate that even adults struggle to navigate it?

We call on the federal government to restore funding for legal representation for unaccompanied migrant children. This is not just about law; it is about humanity. We urge leaders to uphold our nation's commitment to justice, fairness, and compassion. Stand with these children—because no child should have to face the legal system alone.

AP Photo/Erin Hooley, File