Apr 28, Kathmandu - The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has taken steps to speed up the deportation process for immigrant children under government custody. Following pressure from the White House, officials and lawyers have reported efforts to expedite family and child immigration cases, with hearings being moved weeks or even months earlier than usual.

During these hearings, judges decide whether children can remain in the United States or be deported. However, legal representatives have expressed concerns over the difficulty of providing necessary legal support to the young detainees. Children aged four and under are being required to appear in court multiple times in a short period, sometimes without legal representation. Emily Norman, regional director of Kids in Need Defense, highlighted that such procedures are causing significant psychological stress among children, with some becoming extremely distressed out of fear of court appearances.

This move predominantly targets children who entered the U.S. alone or have returned under government supervision after immigration enforcement actions. Lawyers and human rights activists warn that rushing cases could endanger vulnerable children by returning them to dangerous conditions from which they initially fled. Scott Bessent, an attorney with the Center for Immigration Rights, noted that many children are left confused, scared, and hopeless amid these developments.

For example, a five-year-old who entered the U.S. alone had a hearing scheduled within a week or two of arrival. Reports also indicate that cases involving 300 children in Texas were suddenly postponed, with some children receiving minimal notice.

Despite concerns, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Andrew Nixon argued that swift decisions are necessary to help children at risk of human trafficking and exploitation return to safe environments quickly.