Modern Slavery: Human Trafficking in the United States

Sep 14, 2011
Melissa Ridenour

Human Trafficking - Vjeran Lisjak

The U.S. government claims many people are trafficked to America, & some U.S. citizens are trafficked within the U.S. for sexual & labor exploitation.

According to the article, “Human Trafficking of Children in the United States”, human trafficking is not only problematic in other countries, but also in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and in some U.S. territories. Human trafficking victims can be children, adults, female, male, and U.S. citizens or foreign nationals.

What is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking is the transition of men, women and children into the United States from other countries and the transition of U.S. citizens and legal residents within the United States for a variety of forced labor, such as agriculture, domestic service, construction work, and sweatshops. Human trafficking is also a means of acquiring men, women and children for sexual exploitation.

Human Trafficking Statistics

The article, “The United States of America”, reports that the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency estimates that about 50,000 people are trafficked into or trafficked through the United States each year as sex slaves, domestic workers, garment workers, and agricultural slaves.

America is principally a transit and destination country for human trafficking. Government estimates claim that 14,500 to 17,500 people, mostly women and children, are trafficked to the U.S. each year for sexual servitude or labor exploitation. Trafficking of men, women, and children who are citizens or legal residents of the United States is annually becoming an increasing problem within the United States as well.

How to Stop Human Trafficking

Children trafficked into the U.S. from other countries and American children trafficked within the U.S. for exploitation are particularly targeted because of they are more gullible and vulnerable than adults. They are particularly targeted because the market has a demand for younger victims for exploitation. The United States has a responsibility to stop human trafficking and protect all trafficking victims, particularly young children.

Everyone can take an active role in helping to stop trafficking by learning to recognize victims of it. Victims often have unexplained absences from school or work for a extended periods of time. They are sometimes chronic runaways. They may exhibit signs of physical trauma, such as cuts and bruises. They may be withdrawn, depressed or fearful. Sometimes they show signs of hunger, lack of nourishment, and are often inappropriately dressed. Some show signs of drug addiction, as well.

Anyone noticing such signs in women, men, and, particularly, in children should report it to local police for immediate emergencies. Incidents of suspected trafficking can also be reported by calling the national toll-free Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-373-7888

Quoting from the article, “The United States of America”, “The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 enhances pre-existing criminal penalties, affords new protections to trafficking victims and makes available certain benefits and services to victims of severe forms of trafficking. It also establishes a Cabinet-level federal interagency task force and establishes a federal program to provide services to trafficking victims. The U.S. Government recognizes the need to sustain and further enhance efforts in order to achieve the goals and objectives of the Act.”

In conclusion, additional information that will instruct citizens as to how they can help combat trafficking can be accessed through the website, Homeland Security: “Anti-human Trafficking Resources – Victims”.

In addition, useful information, resources, and information about a book that empowers children and parents to keep children safe from abduction, exploitation, or harm, entitled, What Would You Do? A Kid’s Guide to Staying Safe in a World of Strangers can be accessed through the book website, Melissa Harker Ridenour Books.