Democrats press HHS over legal representation of migrant children
Summary
Democratic lawmakers are urging the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reconsider its new contracts for legal services for migrant children. They say the recently chosen firms, including one called Our Rescue, lack the necessary experience in immigration law to properly help these children.Key Facts
- HHS ended contracts with legal groups that represented migrant children and awarded new contracts to firms without immigration experience.
- A letter from 63 Democratic lawmakers expressed concern about the new firms' ability to protect migrant children’s legal rights.
- One new contractor, Our Rescue, focuses on anti-human trafficking but does not specialize in legal services.
- Our Rescue is led by Derek Benner, a former official from the first Trump administration.
- The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act requires legal support for unaccompanied migrant children.
- HHS defended the choice of Our Rescue, saying the group understands human trafficking and vulnerable populations.
- Another small Texas law firm withdrew from a $150 million contract after concerns about its experience were raised.
- Lawmakers worry that using inexperienced firms puts the legal safety of thousands of migrant children at risk.
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