NEW YORK -UNS :New York City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Faiza N. Ali welcomed Governor Kathy Hochul’s funding announcement to expand legal services for unaccompanied children navigating the U.S. immigration system.
Ali said many unaccompanied children fleeing violence, trafficking, abuse and other dangerous conditions arrive in the United States without the legal representation needed to understand and navigate complex immigration proceedings.
“Unaccompanied children have fled violence, trafficking, abuse, and other dangerous conditions in their home countries to seek safety in the United States,” Ali said, emphasizing that they deserve due process and an opportunity to build safe and stable lives in New York.
Ali described witnessing children in immigration court being required to navigate complicated legal procedures, complete immigration forms and prepare for hearings—often within only a few weeks and sometimes in languages they do not speak fluently.
She said the Trump administration’s decision to end a federal contract for legal services has further strained the system, increasing demand for attorneys while reducing providers’ capacity to assist children.
Ali thanked Governor Hochul for stepping in to address the gap in services and credited Mayor Mamdani and Attorney General Letitia James for their partnership in supporting unaccompanied children.
She also said the city is working with community organizations and agencies to help immigrant New Yorkers understand their rights, access essential services and connect with trusted legal assistance amid increased immigration enforcement.
