Feds oppose lawsuit, attorneys for migrant minors
Source: AP
SEATTLE (AP) — Moving forward on a lawsuit demanding legal representation for immigrant minors facing deportation could create a "magnet" effect at the border, attorneys for the federal government said.
On Wednesday, a U.S. District judge in Seattle heard arguments from attorneys involving a lawsuit filed in July by a coalition of immigrant rights advocacy groups who say most minors in deportation proceedings lack legal representation, and that violates the Constitution. The groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union and the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, say the minors are entitled to due process under the Fifth Amendment.
The government opposes the demand in the lawsuit, saying it would attract more minors to travel to the U.S., among other concerns.
"It would create a magnet effect," said Deputy Attorney General Leon Fresco, who added it would be unlikely for Congress to provide the money needed to provide legal representation.
Read more: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/feds-oppose-lawsuit-attorneys-migrant-minors
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