Unaccompanied Children
Public Counsel’s Unaccompanied Children team represents over 200 children who have come without parents to the United States, often after fleeing extreme violence. These children frequently experience additional violence on their journey to the U.S. border and while detained by U.S. immigration authorities. Many have been separated from family members through the migration process, and many have lost a parent to violence. These children have spent weeks or months in U.S. government shelters before being released to a family member in the Los Angeles area.
We defend these children from deportation and represent the children in immigration court, juvenile court, and before the USCIS Asylum Office. We also empower the children we serve by assessing their non-legal needs and helping them access essential services, including education and health care. The vast majority are eligible for and secure asylum or special immigrant juvenile status (SIJS), and ultimately become permanent residents.
Litigation
We pursue litigation to protect the rights of unaccompanied children in the United States, ensuring they have access to the legal protections and remedies provided under federal law.
J.O.P. v. DHS
Immigrants’ Rights
07/01/19
J.L. v. Cissna
Immigrants’ Rights
08/14/18
Publications
Our staff work with clients and partners to identify patterns of injustice that impact and harm the communities we serve. Through strategic litigation, we effect large-scale change and systems reform while amplifying the power of affected communities and advancing public discourse.
The Latest
Updates, stories, and insights from Public Counsel’s advocacy for unaccompanied children.
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Services
Public Counsel represents unaccompanied children in immigration court, juvenile court, and before the USCIS Asylum Office, and helps with access to essential services, including education and health care. We can assist with petitions for asylum and special immigrant juvenile status (SIJS), and permanent residency.
Know-Your-RightsTo find out if we can assist you or an unaccompanied child, please call us at (213) 385-2977, ext. 600, and leave a message. A member of our Immigrants’ Rights team will contact you to discuss your situation and legal options.
The following organizations offer low-cost legal consultations for immigrants:
