DOJ legal – Misryoum reports that Illinois nonprofits criticize the DOJ for ending longstanding legal aid accreditation for low-income immigrants.
A federal program that helped low-income immigrants access affordable legal services is being targeted by the U.S. Department of Justice, according to a coalition of Illinois nonprofits.
The groups say the DOJ has dismantled aspects of its long-running Recognition and Accreditation Program. which allows non-lawyers to provide certain legal services after meeting requirements.. They argue the system has been a crucial bridge for families who otherwise struggle to afford private attorneys. and they say the changes were carried out without prior notice to the organizations and accredited representatives that rely on the program.
In Misryoum’s view, this kind of shift matters because access to counsel is often a deciding factor in immigration cases, where time pressure and complex procedures can overwhelm people navigating the system.
Nonprofits also allege that senior DOJ attorneys previously overseeing the program were abruptly reassigned. and they contend that the resulting disruption could worsen gaps in representation.. Advocates say the need is urgent. pointing to the challenges immigrants face when applying for benefits while also confronting deportation proceedings and other high-stakes outcomes.
One Chicago-area advocate. Tovia Siegel of the Project Resurrección leadership. described the effort as an erosion of due process. arguing that limiting the ability to secure legal representation undermines a person’s ability to fully participate in court and community life.. Misryoum reported that similar concerns were echoed by other program partners, including organizations serving immigrant communities across Illinois.
Equally significant, Misryoum notes that when legal representation becomes harder to obtain, the burden often shifts to people with the least resources, raising the risk of poor outcomes and exploitation.
Advocates also warn that without reliable legal pathways, some immigrants may be pushed toward untrustworthy services.. Liza Gutiérrez. a program director for Partners for Our Communities in Palatine and an accredited representative. said her organization has seen cases where individuals are charged far more than what advocates believe is appropriate for certain filings. especially when clients cannot afford attorneys through traditional means.
A DOJ spokesperson did not respond to questions about the program.. Meanwhile. the Illinois groups say they want the department to restore the role of the attorneys overseeing the Recognition and Accreditation Program. and they are urging Congress to use oversight authority to demand public accountability for the changes.
This dispute, as Misryoum frames it, is about more than paperwork. The availability of accredited legal help can influence whether people can meaningfully challenge government actions, understand their options, and secure fair procedures.