Context:

Two advocacy groups, the National Center for Youth Law and Democracy Forward, have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration's new procedures for reuniting children in federal custody who crossed into the U.S. without their parents. The lawsuit seeks to revert to previous procedures, as the new rules have led to extended separation times, with children being held in custody for over 112 days on average, compared to 37 days before the changes. These procedures require sponsors to provide identification or proof of income that only legally present individuals can acquire, complicating reunification efforts. Advocates argue that the policy changes undermine the safety and welfare of children, reversing years of established protections and resulting in prolonged detention and distress among separated families. Affected families express frustration and hopelessness as they face indefinite delays, with many children losing hope of reunification.

Dive Deeper:

• Two advocacy groups filed a lawsuit to challenge the Trump Administration's new vetting procedures for reuniting children who have crossed the U.S. border without their parents, claiming these changes cause prolonged family separations.

• The lawsuit, filed in the District of Columbia, targets the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and its Office of Refugee Resettlement, seeking a return to previous reunification procedures that did not require extensive vetting of sponsors.

• Government data indicates a significant increase in the time children spend in custody, from an average of 37 days in January to over 112 days by March, following the introduction of new procedures.

• The Trump Administration's changes in February included demanding identification or proof of income from sponsors, which is often unattainable for those not legally present in the U.S., effectively delaying the reunification process.

• Advocates argue that these policy changes compromise the safety of children and dismantle a bipartisan commitment to their welfare, replacing established protections with fear and bureaucratic hurdles.

• Families affected by these changes report emotional distress and indefinite waiting periods, with children experiencing a loss of hope due to repeated setbacks in the reunification process.

• The Trump Administration defends the increased scrutiny of sponsors as necessary for the safety of unaccompanied minors, echoing similar measures imposed during Trump's first presidency, though these were previously scaled back due to extended custody durations.