RAICES Bulletin: DOJ Defunding Legal Orientation Program
TL;DR The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) FY 2027 budget proposes eliminating the $27.5 million statutory funding for the Legal Orientation Program (LOP), labeling it "inefficient and wasteful." This is the second attempt to cut the LOP, which is currently in litigation following a prior "stop-work order." Although not a provider, RAICES worries defunding the LOP—a key source of legal orientations and pro bono referrals for detained noncitizens—will harm clients, even as the administration seeks a 12.4% overall funding increase for the EOIR.
WHAT TO KNOW
Issue: In its fiscal year 2027 budget request, the DOJ is seeking to remove the statutory requirement to spend $27.5 million on the LOP, despite proposing a 12.4% overall funding increase for the EOIR. This is the administration's second attempt to axe the program, following a similar request for the 2026 budget.
Rationale: The Trump administration characterizes the LOP as "inefficient and wasteful," claiming it duplicates the work of immigration judges and provides no measurable return on investment. They intend to redirect these "limited resources" to help address the massive immigration court backlog.
RAICES Impact: RAICES is not an LOP provider and will not be directly impacted by this. The DOJ has previously ended funding to LOP providers and issued a stop-work order in early 2025. This attempt to eliminate funding furthers that current status quo. However, RAICES has historically coordinated with LOP service providers in connection with our work with detained populations, and particularly detained families, and LOP providers did inform detained individuals and families about services RAICES may be able to provide. Barriers to access to counsel do impact the populations we serve.
Community Impact: Since its founding in 2003, the LOP has served as a primary pipeline for detained noncitizens to receive legal orientations and referrals to pro bono services like RAICES.
Related Legal Battles: The program is currently operating under a cloud of litigation. After the administration issued a "stop-work order" for the LOP in early 2025, several legal groups sued. While a federal judge dismissed the challenge in July 2025, the case is currently being appealed in the D.C. Circuit.
The "Federalization" Uncertainty: During past litigation, the government suggested it might "federalize" the program (administering it internally rather than through nonprofits).
Broader Immigration Strategy: By stripping away access to basic information and pro bono referrals, the DOJ places an even heavier “thumb on the scale” against non-citizens, who must navigate complex legal proceedings often without representation. This highlights the critical importance of equipping detained individuals and families with the knowledge to defend their rights. Furthermore, it serves as a vital opportunity to educate the public on the lack of accountability within immigration courts and the inherent harms of the detention system.
