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2.0

DOJ and DHS terminate the National Qualified Representative Program

  1. Original Date Announced

    April 25, 2025

    According to NBC and documents produced in American Gateways v. DOJ, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have terminated the National Qualified Representative Program (NQRP) in every state except for Arizona, California and Washington, where it was originally established as part of a legal settlement. NQRP, created in 2013 by DOJ and DHS, provides counsel to people in immigration detention found by an immigration judge or the BIA to be mentally "incompetent" and therefore unable to represent themselves in deportation proceedings. An estimated 200 people were receiving services through NQRP.

    Trump 2.0 [ID #1734]

    2025.04.29 EOIR Director Email Terminating National Qualified Representative Program 2025.05.06 Trump cuts off most help for immigrants with mental illness or cognitive disabilities - NBC
  2. Subsequent Trump and Court Action

    May 5, 2025

    2025.05.0.5 Complaint - American Gateways v. DOJ

    Nine organizations that provided legal representation under NQRP filed suit against DOJ, DHS, the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), and agency officials. Plaintiffs argue that terminating NQRP violates the Administrative Procedure Act because it is arbitrary and capricious, violates the Accardi doctrine, denies due process, and is contrary to the Immigration and Nationality Act and the Rehabilitation Act. American Gateways v. DOJ, No. 1:25-cv-01370 (D.D.C.).

    **Link to case here. Our litigation entries generally report only the initial complaint and any major substantive filings or decisions. For additional information, CourtListener provides access to PACER and all available pleadings. Other sites that track litigation in more detail or organize cases by topic include Civil Rights Clearinghouse, Justice Action Center, National Immigration Litigation Alliance, and Just Security**

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  3. Subsequent Trump and Court Action

    July 21, 2025

    2025.07.21 Order Granting Preliminary Injunction - American Gateways v. DOJ

    A district court granted plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction, ordering DHS, DOJ, and EOIR to promptly reinstate the National Qualified Representative Program. American Gateways v. Dep't of Justice, No. 1:25-cv-01370 (D.D.C.).

    **Link to case here. See litigation note above**

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