Oregon nonprofit loses federal funding for migrant legal aid

An Oregon nonprofit that helps migrant children with legal services has lost nearly all of its federal funding. This change comes from the Trump administration and has disrupted the work of the Immigration Counseling Service. The organization was informed last week that the federally funded program, which offers legal representation to unaccompanied minors, would be terminated. As of now, the nonprofit has 166 active cases. This funding cut follows a short-lived stop-work order from late February. The nonprofit's officials are calling on the public and elected representatives to request the administration reverse this decision. Immigration Counseling Service typically assists children in immigration court, ensuring they have legal support. In 2024, the organization provided legal training and representation to around 700 children. They usually receive about $800,000 a year for their services. A message received on Friday indicated that the program would end the same day. Gina Vorderstrasse, a leader at the nonprofit, expressed devastation over the funding cut. She said that the loss could leave children, some as young as three, facing deportation alone in court. While the organization plans to continue serving its current clients, their resources will be limited. Shaina Aber, from the Acacia Justice Center in Washington, D.C., noted that lawyers are dedicated to helping these children. However, many organizations, including Immigration Counseling Service, face difficult choices about how to continue their work without funding. They could risk their licenses if they neglect their legal duties to their clients. Despite the state's funding for helping undocumented immigrants, issues have arisen within the Equity Corps of Oregon program, which aims to provide legal assistance. Lawmakers are currently looking into a proposal to allocate at least $7 million for this program over the next two years.