The Department of Justice (DOJ) faces scrutiny over its handling of a pivotal immigration legal aid initiative. A year after announcing plans to transition a program traditionally run by nonprofits into a federal in-house operation, critics lament the apparent neglect of this commitment. Despite initial declarations, there are no visible measures taken to implement the program, and budget proposals suggest it may be abandoned altogether.
This legal aid program, initially helmed by nonprofits like the Acacia Center for Justice, was designed to offer legal orientations and pro bono referrals for individuals in immigration detention. In April 2025, the contract with the prime contractor was canceled, amid litigation from subcontractors challenging the DOJ’s decision regarding the Legal Orientation Program. This move, critics argue, signals federal intentions to phase out the program under the guise of federalization.
In a statement by Sirce Owen from the Executive Office for Immigration Review, the planned federalized version was to utilize immigration judges and online tools to inform detainees of their rights. However, former program architect Steve Lang describes these intentions as merely a façade, suggesting the real objective is to dismantle the program entirely. Lang emphasizes the program’s historical role in enhancing the immigration system’s efficiency rather than influencing deportation outcomes.
Sara Van Hofwegen from Acacia criticizes the lack of progress and the current state of resources like the Immigration Court Online Resource (ICOR), which she deems outdated and not user-friendly. The involvement of immigration judges in providing legal advice is seen as a conflict of interest, especially given concerns about increased executive control over immigration courts. Michael Lukens from the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights concurs, noting no tangible steps have been made towards federalizing the initiative.
Legal challenges continue, as evidenced by a lawsuit from nonprofit groups asserting the administration’s federalization plan is essentially a termination of the program. Although the initial lawsuit was dismissed in the District of Columbia, an appeal is underway. Meanwhile, the DOJ’s fiscal 2027 budget request seeks to eliminate mandatory funding for the program, highlighting the administration’s shift in priorities towards addressing backlog concerns over providing legal aid.
Amid these developments, organizations involved in supporting immigrants urge the DOJ to restore related programs. Over 300 groups called for the restoration of the Recognition and Accreditation Program, vital in authorizing nonlawyers to assist in immigration cases.
This situation unfolds as deportation efforts are ramped up, underscoring the critical need for transparent and accessible legal aid for those facing deportation proceedings. This coordinated reduction in legal support coincides with increased deportation rates, raising further concerns about fair access to legal recourse.