On April 10 the Department of Justice announced it will stop funding the Immigration Court Help Desk and Legal Orientation Programs (LOP) and will temporarily halt these programs in order to audit their cost-effectiveness. These crucial programs are a lifeline for many immigrants in detention who would otherwise not have access to an attorney. Major news outlets from all of the country sought comment from NIJC in response to this announcement. Read the full statement by NIJC Executive Director Mary Meg McCarthy.
Rewire.News: Is the DOJ Moving to Restrict Immigration Detainees’ Access to Attorneys? (Updated) (4/19/2018)
The Washington Post: Justice Dept. To Halt Legal-advice Program For Immigrants In Detention (4/10/2018)
Chicago Tribune: Justice Department to halt legal program for detained immigrants (4/10/2018)
AXIOS: DOJ temporarily ends legal service program for immigrants (4/10/2018)
Splinter: Trump Administration Not Bothering With Illusion of Due Process for Immigrants Facing Deportation Anymore (4/10/2018)
Aljazeera: Rights Groups Decry DOJ Plan To 'End' immigrant Help Programmes (4/11/2018)
ABA Journal: ABA Condemns Suspension Of Justice Department's Legal Orientation Program For Immigrants ( 4/11/2018)
Voice of America: Legal Advice Ending for Immigrants in Detention in US (4/11/2018)
ThinkProgress: Justice Department halts legal aid for detained immigrants facing deportation (4/11/2018)
Daily Kos: Sessions's Move Halting Legal Assistance Program Is Clear: No Due Process For Immigrants (4/11/2018)
telesur: US to Temporarily Close Know-Your-Rights Program for Deportation-Bound Immigrants (4/12/2018)