Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy faces more than $600,000 in federal funding cuts for its pro bono legal representation of unaccompanied minors.
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy鈥檚 grant for its Unaccompanied Children Program expires at the end of this month, and the group doesn鈥檛 know if or when it will be renewed. The funds allow the organization to provide representation for unaccompanied minors, who come to the United States without legal status or a parent or guardian.
In February, the organization faced a three-day stop-work order from the federal government for the program.
Without financial support, Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy may have to reduce services, seek alternative funding sources or even face staffing cuts 鈥� all of which could limit it's ability to provide legal aid to unaccompanied minors.
The program is critical for unaccompanied children seeking refuge in the United States because they are not entitled to government-appointed legal representation in immigration court.
"If a child is not represented, they鈥檙e approximately 90% more likely to be denied and receive a removal order," Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy's Cristina Ceron said.
Last year, more than 5,000 unaccompanied children were released to sponsors in North Carolina, most in Mecklenburg County. Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy served more than 200 children and families through its Immigrant Justice Program.
