Unaccompanied minors are representing themselves in immigration court, alarming advocates
In 2023, only 56% of unaccompanied minors were represented by counsel.
ByLaura Romero
June 3, 2024, 4:09 AM
Politicians are divided on immigration reform, as a record number...Show More
When Brian Arevalo arrived at immigration court earlier this year, the stakes -- possible deportation -- could not have been higher. But that morning in April, when he faced a federal immigration judge, he faced a more pressing concern.
"Did you find an attorney?" Judge Dinesh Verma asked him.
Arevalo, now 18, shook his head no. He had been searching in vain for legal representation for months -- one of tens of thousands of unaccompanied young migrants representing themselves before federal immigration judges, and one of dozens who appeared before Judge Verma that day in Hyattsville, Maryland.
Arevalo, who was granted a three-month extension, is due back in court in June. He says he has not yet found an attorney.
https://abcnews.go.com/US/unaccompanied-minors-representing-immigration-court-alarming-advocates/story?id=110615713
