At the end of July, the federal contract with the Acacia Center for Justice came to an end, dissolving a nationwide network of more than 100 legal service providers, including Lively Law firm, that represented tens of thousands of unaccompanied immigrant children across the United States.

If you or your child received legal representation through an organization funded by Acacia, you may be wondering what happens next. While this announcement has created uncertainty for many families, it's important to remember that every immigration case is different, and there are steps you can take to protect your rights and stay on track.

We have been receiving questions and want to provide answers to some of the most common questions about this recent update.

What Does the End of the Acacia Contract Mean?

The end of the federal contract means that many nonprofit legal service providers that

previously represented unaccompanied immigrant children may no longer receive funding through Acacia.

This does not automatically mean your immigration case has been dismissed or closed. However, it may affect who is representing you or your child moving forward.

The first step is to contact the organization or law firm that has been handling your case to determine how this change may impact you and your specific situation.

I'm in the Middle of My Immigration Case. What Should I Do?

If your case is currently pending, it is important to continue meeting all court requirements and deadlines.

We recommend that you:

• Attend every scheduled immigration court hearing.
• Respond to any deadlines provided by the court or USCIS.
• Keep all documents related to your immigration case organized.
• Speak with an experienced immigration attorney as soon as possible if you have questions about your representation.

We encourage you not to miss any hearings or filing deadlines, regardless of any changes in your legal representation.

I Don't Currently Have an Attorney. What Should My Next Step Be?

If you no longer have legal representation, or if you are unsure whether your attorney is still handling your case, schedule a consultation with an immigration attorney as soon as possible.

An attorney can review your circumstances, explain your legal options, and determine what steps you should be taking next.

At Lively Law Firm, we offer free consultations to help individuals and families understand their immigration situation and options.

How Do I Know if I've Been Affected?

You may have been affected if your legal services were provided through an organization participating in the Acacia network.

Review your records and look for:

• Letters or e-mails from a specific legal provider
• Notices from your legal service provider
• Any recent communication regarding changes to your representation

If you're unsure, contact your previous legal representative directly for further clarification.

Will My Court Date Still Happen?

Yes, in most cases, you should assume your hearings and deadlines remain in place.

Unless an immigration court or USCIS officially notifies you that your hearing has been rescheduled or changed, you should plan to attend all scheduled appointments.

You should not assume a court date has been canceled because of news about legal funding or representation updates.

Can I Switch Attorneys?

Depending on where your case is in the immigration process, you may be able to obtain new legal representation.

Every immigration case is different, and eligibility to change attorneys depends on several factors. Speaking with an immigration attorney can help you understand your available options.

What Documents Should I Gather Before Speaking With a New Attorney?

Having complete records will help a new attorney evaluate your case more efficiently.

Bring copies of:

• Immigration court notices
• Applications previously filed
• USCIS receipt notices
• Government-issued identification
• Any correspondence from Acacia or your previous legal representative
• Court orders or immigration decisions
• Any additional documents related to your immigration case

The more information you can provide, the easier it will be for an attorney to review and get a better understanding of your case.

Does Losing Legal Representation Mean My Case Is Over?

No.

Losing legal representation does not automatically mean your immigration case has ended or that a final decision has been made.

Your case generally continues unless an immigration judge or USCIS issues an official decision. This is why it's important to obtain updated legal guidance as quickly as possible.

I'm the Parent or Guardian of a Child Who Received Representation Through Acacia. What Should I Do?

If your child was represented through an Acacia-funded legal service provider, contact the legal organization that handled your child's case to determine whether representation has changed.

If your family no longer has legal assistance, consider scheduling a consultation with an

immigration attorney to review your child's case and discuss the next steps. At Lively Law Firm we offer free consultations to help clients understand what is available to them based on their situation.

How Much Does It Cost to Have My Case Reviewed?

Costs vary depending on the law firm and the legal services needed.

At Lively Law Firm, we offer free consultations, as well as payment plans, so you can discuss your situation with an experienced immigration attorney, understand your options, and determine the best path forward before making any decisions.

We're Here to Help

News like this can be overwhelming, especially when you're already navigating the immigration system.

Whether you're unsure about your legal representation, have an upcoming court hearing, or simply want to understand your options, speaking with an experienced immigration attorney can help provide clarity and peace of mind.

Our team at Lively Law Firm is here to answer your questions, review your case, and help you understand the next steps available to you.

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Every immigration case is unique, and the information above may not apply to your

specific circumstances. If you have questions about your immigration case or legal representation, we encourage you to speak with an experienced immigration attorney who can review your individual situation and explain the options available to you