Human trafficking, or modern day slavery, is a global issue. An estimated 27 million people worldwide are living in slavery. While human trafficking takes various forms such as forced labor, domestic servitude, and sex trafficking, it involves the use of force, fraud or coercion for the purpose of exploitation. Victims are entitled to protection, assistance and legal relief. The U.S. enacted the Trafficking Victims Protection Act to aid victims through continued presence status, T visas, certification for benefits, and potential pathways to citizenship. A victim-centered approach focuses on empowering victims and upholding their rights and dignity.

1. HUMAN TRAFFICKING : Modern Day Slavery

7. Three Elements of Trafficking A woman came to see Aurelia’s mother in her Mexican village to offer Aurelia a job as a cook in America. She promised that Aurelia would make $200 per month and could go to school. The woman brought Aurelia into the U.S. by car and took her to a bar in Texas. Aurelia was told she would be working in the bar and had to pay off a $7,500 debt to the owners by working as a prostitute. When Aurelia refused to do the work and asked to go back home, the owners beat her and threatened to harm her mother if she did not do the work. Recruiting OR Harboring OR Moving OR Obtaining a person , 1 PROCESS by Force OR Fraud OR Coercion 2 MEANS For the purposes of Involuntary Servitude OR Debt Bondage OR Slavery OR Sex Trade 3 END

19. A Victim-Centered Approach Attorneys Service Providers Law Enforcement Victim

23. Immigration Relief: Trafficking Victim Visa (“T” Visa)

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