A federal contract funding legal services for unaccompanied migrant children in the United States has ended, removing support previously available to more than 25,000 children. Advocates say the loss of lawyers and legal information could leave children facing immigration proceedings alone and increase their risk of deportation.

The contract supported a nationwide network of nearly 100 legal groups, providing representation and “know your rights” sessions for children who arrived without a parent or guardian. Providers say the government has also withheld payments for more than six months while requesting client information they argue they cannot ethically disclose; some organisations have laid off staff or sought private funding to continue work.