More than 1,400 of those children are in New York state, including over 700 in New York City, according to advocates. Without attorneys, children may be asked to respond to immigration charges, complete asylum applications or decide whether to accept voluntary departure without fully understanding the legal consequences. The current dispute stems from the Trump administration's attempt earlier this year to terminate the legal services contract outright. Congress established the program nearly two decades ago to help protect unaccompanied children in immigration proceedings, and advocates argue legal representation remains essential given the complexity of U.S. immigration law. Many children ultimately qualify for asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status or other forms of humanitarian relief, outcomes that attorneys say are often difficult to obtain without legal counsel.