Story perspectives

Justice Department Overhauls Program, Critics Warn of Access Issues

3/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Justice Department has restructured the Recognition and Accreditation program, which assists low-income immigrants in securing legal representation.
Senior attorneys were reassigned, leaving only two support staff without legal authority to handle accreditation applications.
Anna Gallagher from the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) stated the program is crucial for reducing immigration backlogs.
Critics, including Greg Chen from the American Immigration Lawyers Association, argue the changes limit access to justice.
Peggy Gleason from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center called the removal of lawyers an "attack on freedom of religion."

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Story summary

The Justice Department has restructured the Recognition and Accreditation program, which assists low-income immigrants in securing legal representation.
Senior attorneys were reassigned, leaving only two support staff without legal authority to handle accreditation applications.
Anna Gallagher from the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) stated the program is crucial for reducing immigration backlogs.
Critics, including Greg Chen from the American Immigration Lawyers Association, argue the changes limit access to justice.
Peggy Gleason from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center called the removal of lawyers an "attack on freedom of religion."