The Impact of Government Funding Cuts on Unaccompanied Children and the Role of Nonprofits in Fighting Back

In recent weeks, a deeply troubling trend has emerged: multiple organizations working to support unaccompanied immigrant children (UAC) have been forced to lay off hundreds of staff members due to drastic cuts in government funding. These cuts stem directly from the second Trump administration’s aggressive policies aimed at reducing support for vulnerable immigrant populations. Nonprofits that have long provided essential services – such as legal aid, medical care, housing, and education – to these vulnerable children are now grappling with diminished resources and, in some cases, making the painful decision to part ways with invaluable employees. The consequences are dire: fewer children will receive the critical assistance they need, leaving them increasingly susceptible to exploitation, homelessness, and deportation.

The Government’s Role in Supporting Unaccompanied Children 

Historically, the U.S. government has played a pivotal role in supporting unaccompanied minors who cross the border without a parent or guardian. These children often flee violence, poverty, and persecution in their home countries, arriving in the U.S. seeking safety and the hope of a better life. However, the current administration’s deliberate withdrawal of financial support not only undermines decades of established commitment, but it also places thousands of innocent lives at risk. This abdication of responsibility is not just a policy shift; it is a moral failure that demands immediate and unwavering opposition from all who value justice and human dignity.

The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) of 2008:

Passed in 2008, the TVPRA specifically aims to combat human trafficking and provides special protections for unaccompanied immigrant children, particularly those from non-contiguous countries (countries other than Canada and Mexico).

• It mandates that unaccompanied children be screened for trafficking risks and ensures that children are transferred to appropriate care as quickly as possible – ideally to the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
• It establishes specific procedures for the expedited release of unaccompanied children to family members or other sponsors in the U.S. to avoid prolonged detention.

The Flores Settlement:

The Flores Settlement Agreement, which resulted from a 1997 court ruling, establishes minimum standards of care for unaccompanied immigrant children in U.S. immigration custody.

• It mandates that children be placed in facilities that meet health, safety, and wellbeing standards.
• The agreement emphasizes that children should not be held in detention for prolonged periods and should be released as quickly as possible to family members or other appropriate sponsors, unless special circumstances prevent it
• It also sets guidelines for the length of detention and conditions within detention centers, ensuring that children are treated humanely.

Heavily relying on federal funding, legal service providers and other child advocacy organizations assist immigrant children navigating the U.S. immigration system. However, the U.S. government, facing significant pressure to address immigration and border issues, has enacted funding cuts that directly impact the services available to unaccompanied minors.

This decision has far-reaching consequences, not only for those who are now left without jobs but also for the vulnerable children who depend on these organizations for legal representation, mental health services, and family reunification support. Many of these essential organizations now face difficult decisions: reducing staff, limiting services, or, in some cases, shutting their doors entirely.

The financial cuts and subsequent layoffs serve as a stark reminder of the precarious nature of services that help some of the most marginalized groups in society — children who arrive alone at the U.S. border seeking refuge.

The Fallout: 199+ Layoffs and Shrinking Resources 

Recently, several nonprofits and service providers in the immigration space announced layoffs.  According to an activist in this field, one nonprofit in the Rio Grande Valley that services unaccompanied minors (UACs) laid off over 199 employees, and this is just one example among many organizations facing similar challenges, a direct consequence of the government’s decision to cut or reduce funding for UACs. These layoffs represent not only the loss of jobs, but the loss of critical support for children in need.

These organizations are often the first line of defense for unaccompanied minors, providing legal aid and support during their traumatic experiences. With fewer staff members, they are less equipped to handle the surge in cases, leaving many children without legal counsel – which is particularly devastating in complex immigration cases.

Moreover, the emotional toll on staff is palpable. Many of these nonprofit workers have dedicated their careers to protecting and advocating for these children. To suddenly find themselves out of work – just when their expertise and services are most needed – is a bitter blow for both them and the children they serve.

How Nonprofits Can Fight Back: Lobbying and Litigation 

While the situation may seem dire, there are important ways nonprofits can take action to combat these funding cuts and the resulting layoffs. By leveraging their influence and the power of their networks, nonprofits can advocate for policy changes and hold the current administration accountable.

(1)  Lobby for Change

One of the most direct ways nonprofits can fight back is through lobbying. Organizations working with unaccompanied minors have a unique and powerful voice in advocating for children’s rights and immigration reform, and the Internal Revenue Code permits public charities to engage in lobbying (legislative) activities using unrestricted funding. Lobbying efforts should focus on:

• Increased funding for Unaccompanied Children: Nonprofits must work with lawmakers to push for reinvestment in the care of unaccompanied minors. This involves advocating for funding levels that will allow organizations to fully support these children without resorting to layoffs or service cuts.
• Bipartisan Support: Protecting vulnerable children should not be a partisan issue. Nonprofits can engage with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, finding common ground to secure necessary funding.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Raising awareness about the plight of unaccompanied minors can help shift public opinion and put pressure on elected officials to act. By sharing real stories of children whose lives have been improved by these services, nonprofits can highlight the human cost of these funding cuts and push for legislative reform.

(2)  Engaging in Litigation

Another powerful tool nonprofits can use is litigation. By challenging policies that undermine the care and protection of unaccompanied children, nonprofits can not only fight for their rights but also seek to hold the government accountable for its failure to meet its obligations under U.S. and international law.

• Legal Challenges to Funding Cuts: Nonprofits can team up with legal organizations to challenge the government’s decision to reduce funding for the Unaccompanied Children program. If the cuts violate the rights of these minors or breach the government’s obligations under the TVPRA, litigation could lead to a restoration of funding.
• Class Action Lawsuits: In cases where large numbers of unaccompanied minors are being harmed by the lack of services, nonprofits may consider filing class action lawsuits. These legal actions can seek damages or injunctions that would force the government to restore essential services and support for children.

(3) Public Advocacy and Coalition Building

Nonprofits can further strengthen their efforts by forming coalitions with other organizations, both within and outside of the immigration space. By creating a united front, these groups can amplify their voices, increase their lobbying power, and pool resources for litigation.

Additionally, engaging the broader public through media campaigns, petitions, and public demonstrations can bring attention to the issue and mobilize grassroots support for funding restoration.

(4) Invest in Change

Nonprofit organizations working to protect the rights of unaccompanied immigrant children are essential in ensuring that vulnerable children receive the care, legal support, and protection they desperately need. By funding organizations dedicated to their rights, funders contribute to creating a safer, more just society for some of the most disregarded members of our global community.

Why Fund Nonprofit Organizations Working for Unaccompanied Immigrant Children 

• Protection of Human Rights: Unaccompanied immigrant children are at high risk for abuse, exploitation, and neglect. Nonprofits play a key role in safeguarding their rights and well-being.
• Legal Assistance and Advocacy: These organizations provide essential legal support to navigate complex immigration systems, helping children to secure asylum, refugee status, or other forms of protection.
• Supporting Trauma Recovery: Many of these children have endured severe trauma. Nonprofit organizations offer counseling, safe spaces, and programs that support their emotional and psychological recovery.

Types of Advocacy Activities Funders Can Support

• Public Education: Funding programs that raise awareness about the challenges unaccompanied immigrant children face can help shift public perception and promote empathy and understanding.
• Research: Supporting studies that documents the needs, experiences, and outcomes of unaccompanied immigrant children enables better-informed decisions and policies.
• Convening Key Players: Funding efforts to bring together policymakers, legal experts, community leaders, and advocates can foster collaboration and effective solutions.
• Organizing: Supporting grassroots efforts empowers communities to advocate for policy change, raise awareness, and take direct action to ensure the protection and rights of unaccompanied children.

It’s Time to Fight Back!  

The recent wave of layoffs in organizations serving unaccompanied minors is not just an unfortunate consequence of poor budget decisions – it is a direct result of the Trump 2.0 and the administration’s relentless assault on immigrant rights. These funding cuts are not just policy changes; they are calculated efforts to dismantle critical protections for the most vulnerable children. But now is not the time to give up — it’s time to fight back.

Nonprofits, advocates, and concerned citizens must mobilize – lobbying lawmakers, challenging these cruel policies in court, and raising public awareness. The more we shine light on these injustices, the harder it becomes for this administration to turn its back on the children who need help the most.

With a unified effort, we can push to restore funding, securing legal protections, and ensure that no child is abandoned in their moment of need. Now is the time to act — because the future of these children is worth fighting for!