Acacia Center for Justice Statement Following Preliminary Injunction Issued in Challenge of Termination of National Qualified Representative Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 22, 2025

WASHINGTON – Lisa Okamoto, director of the National Qualified Representative Program (NQRP), at the Acacia Center for Justice, issued the following statement in response to a preliminary injunction issued in American Gateways v. DOJ, challenging the national termination of NQRP, which provides legal representation for people with severe mental and cognitive disabilities navigating the U.S. immigration system:

“People with mental health disabilities can thrive and live safe, stable lives when they’re surrounded by family and loved ones who support them. Access to legal representation helps make that possible by ensuring they don’t navigate the U.S. immigration system alone and are reunited with their communities instead of languishing in inhumane detention facilities.

“The termination of NQRP has already resulted in serious due process violations, including prolonged detention of people with severe mental health disabilities and the deportation of people who are unable to advocate for themselves in court.”

The National Qualified Representative Program began following a 2013 settlement from the class-action lawsuit, Franco-Gonzalez v. Holder. In Franco, the District Court for the Central District of California concluded that the 1973 Rehabilitation Act requires the appointment of legal representation as a reasonable accommodation to people in immigration court proceedings who are detained, unrepresented, and incompetent to represent themselves because of a serious mental health condition.

The Court found DOJ’s abrupt rescission of the program – without any alternative to appoint representation to those deemed to be mentally incompetent in immigration proceedings – caused and will cause irreparable harm. While the order requires DOJ to reinstate the NQRP, the Nationwide Policy contract remains terminated at this moment, and Acacia will not be receiving case assignments unless and until DOJ decides to reinstate the work with Acacia. We stand prepared to re-activate the program and ensure appointed counsel for respondents in need.

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About Acacia Center for Justice

Acacia Center for Justice expands meaningful access to justice and freedom for immigrants at risk of detention or deportation in partnership with an accountable, independent national network of immigrant legal service providers and community partners. Acacia Center for Justice’s reach and impact are unparalleled. The national nonprofit currently operates eight federally funded programs and one state funded program through a network of 130+ legal service providers located in over 80 offices across the country.