TRAC Immigration: Too Few Immigration Attorneys; Where You Live Impacts Representation

TRAC Immigration (Too Few Immigration Attorneys; Where You Live Impacts Representation) reports that

"The latest available court data show that in August 2026 only one in four (24%) immigrants, including unaccompanied children had an attorney to assist them in Immigration Court cases when a removal order was issued.

While the government is always represented in Court by an attorney, this is not true for the immigrant. Unlike in criminal proceedings, the federal government is not required to provide legal counsel to those without the means to hire an attorney. While many communities including law firms and clinics attempt to provide legal assistance on a pro bono basis, their numbers have been insufficient to meet the need. As a result, the overall odds of having representation in Immigration Court completed cases has dropped from 63 percent in FY 2021 to 32 percent in FY 2026. " (bold added).