Michigan senators press federal officials to protect legal aid for migrant children facing immigration courts alone—citing moral and legal obligations.

Michigan Lawmakers Warn of Humanitarian and Legal Crisis if Contract is Canceled

As a March 29 decision deadline looms, Michigan state legislators are urging the Trump administration not to cut off legal aid for thousands of unaccompanied migrant children. In a formal letter addressed to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Michigan lawmakers—including Sen. Stephanie Chang and Sen. Mary Cavanagh—called for the continuation of federal funding for legal services that provide essential support to vulnerable minors navigating the complex U.S. immigration system.

The program under scrutiny is a federal contract that provides free legal representation to unaccompanied children—most of whom fled violence, exploitation, or abuse in their home countries. Nearly 26,000 minors are currently relying on these services, many of them under the age of 12.

Children Face Immigration Courts Alone Without Funding

If the contract expires without renewal, these children could be forced to represent themselves in immigration court—a system often described as impenetrable even for adults. Without legal representation, unaccompanied minors are significantly more likely to be deported. Studies show that represented children are seven times more likely to remain in the United States than those without counsel.

Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), who led the sign-on effort, emphasized the high stakes:

“This is about keeping our federal officials accountable and upholding our country’s moral responsibility in welcoming those fleeing danger… Cutting off legal support… would jeopardize the safety of 26,000 toddlers and kids who have already experienced unimaginable trauma.”

Sen. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.) echoed this concern, bluntly criticizing the Trump administration’s inconsistent approach to child welfare:

“You would think that the so-called ‘pro-life’ Republican party would be doing everything in their power to protect young, unaccompanied children… [but this] is the opposite of being ‘pro-life.’ It’s just plain cruelty.”

Federal Law and Precedent Are on the Line

The legislators argue that canceling the contract would not only violate basic humanitarian principles but also breach federal law—specifically, the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA). This bipartisan legislation requires that unaccompanied minors in U.S. custody receive legal representation to help protect them from trafficking, abuse, and exploitation.

Earlier this year, the Trump administration issued a stop-work order on February 18, temporarily halting the legal aid contract before reversing the decision just three days later. Although the reversal avoided immediate harm, the brief pause alarmed legal advocates and state officials alike, signaling potential instability in future support.

Michigan’s Broader Role in National Immigration Debates

This latest move by Michigan legislators underscores the state’s increasing involvement in national immigration debates. As home to a growing immigrant population—especially in cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing—Michigan’s role as an advocate for immigrant rights continues to expand. Organizations such as the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center have long provided legal aid to immigrant communities, often supported by state and federal funding.

According to multiple immigration policy experts and legal advocates, cutting legal aid for unaccompanied minors not only undermines due process, but potentially violates both U.S. and international law. These children are among the most vulnerable individuals in the immigration system, and access to legal counsel is often the only barrier between them and unjust deportation.

Looking Ahead: Calls for Federal Accountability

The Michigan lawmakers’ letter calls on federal leadership to commit to maintaining the contract through 2026. They argue that abandoning these services would effectively dismantle protections afforded under the law and leave thousands of children defenseless against deportation.

With the administration’s decision just days away, advocates are rallying across the country to spotlight the issue. Immigration law firms, children’s rights groups, and faith-based organizations have joined the call, urging the administration to prioritize protection over politics.

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