New Policy Rattles Advocacy Groups: ORR's Information-Sharing Shift Sparks Criticism

A regulatory change now permits the U.S. agency overseeing unaccompanied migrant minors to share sponsors' immigration status with law enforcement. Critics warn this could deter families from claiming children due to deportation fears. The move aligns with President Trump's immigration crackdown efforts, raising concerns about children's legal representation in court.

The U.S. agency tasked with overseeing unaccompanied migrant minors is now permitted to disclose sponsors' immigration status to law enforcement, a regulatory change critics warn could deter families from claiming their children. This provision, announced in a Federal Register notice, represents a shift in the U.S. Office for Refugee Resettlement's (ORR) longstanding policy.

The ORR oversees the care of these children until they can be released to sponsors, typically family members. However, a regulatory change will eliminate prior prohibitions that prevented denying release solely based on a sponsor's immigration status. Critics argue this could make sponsors hesitant to come forward due to fears of detention or deportation.

Migrant advocacy groups expressed alarm over the recent suspension of a federal program offering legal representation to unaccompanied children in court. They called on the administration to reinstate this program, emphasizing the necessity for due process for these vulnerable minors amidst ongoing immigration crackdowns.

(With inputs from agencies.)