CRJ332 Human Trafficking, A Hidden Crime Unit 7.2 DB Build a Better Mousetrap, December 2024, POST University

 CRJ332 Unit 7.2: Build a Better Mousetrap

 

After learning about some of the possible solutions to prevent human trafficking, identify what you believe to be the three most effective solutions, and offer one new solution to this problem. Evaluate the solutions identified by at least two of your classmates.  Expand upon their solutions and how the solutions might be implemented. 

I like all of these choices that are offered by FEMA as ways to stop human trafficking. These are things we can do ourselves, on our own or with other groups. On the other hand, we can’t control the terrible treatment of other countries to their citizens, which is a primary reason for human trafficking. Residents of corrupt and Communist countries are forced to deal with their upside-down regimes until they can leave. This forces many people into human trafficking, just to escape these horrible countries.  

“Here are five ways we can work together to prevent human trafficking: 

1. Take a stand and wear blue. January 11 is Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Wear blue to help spread awareness. Learn more about the campaign at on the #WearBlueDay DHS website. 
     
2. Understand the risk factors. To prevent individuals from being exploited, it’s important to recognize the risk factors and indicators of human trafficking. You should seek to better understand the victim’s perspective.  
     
3. Know what to do and who to contact to report it. Share resources with your community at local events and public gatherings. You can report suspected human trafficking to federal law enforcement by calling 1-866-347-2423. You can get help from the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. 
     
4. Expand awareness in your community.  Educate yourself and your faith community on what human trafficking is and how to recognize the signs of exploitation of another person. This is the first step in identifying victims and can help save a life. Learn more on the Blue Campaign website. 
     
5. Understand how vulnerable communities are impacted. Not every person has equal access to the resources they need. You can help make sure they do. If you don’t know where to start, watch this recorded webinar: Addressing Racial Equity in Communities Vulnerable to Human Trafficking. You can also contact FEMA’s Office of Equal Rights for additional information on how to address inequalities.” (No author given, 2023) 

 

Resources: 

No author given, 2023, FEMA, 5 Ways We Can Work Together to Prevent Human Trafficking, https://www.fema.gov/blog/5-ways-we-can-work-together-prevent-human-trafficking 

CRJ322 Human Trafficking, A Hidden Crime Unit 7.1 DB How does this Happen?, December 2024, POST University

 CRJ322  Unit 7.1: How Does This Happen?

 

According to the United Nations, there are 29.4 million victims of human trafficking around the world at any given time.  Why do you think that there are this many cases of human trafficking?  Respond to at least two of your peers' posts and discuss whether or not you agree with their reasoning.  

The reason that human trafficking is such a massive world-wide problem is because so many people are so desperate to escape the horrible situations that their governments force them to live in horrible conditions. There are so many countries run by horrible governments like communist and corrupt countries that those conditions force people to leave and come to great countries like the United States and many countries in Europe.  

“Lastly, systemic inequalities and disparities make certain groups much more vulnerable to exploitation. Mass displacement, conflict, extreme poverty, lack of access to education and job opportunities, violence and harmful social norms like child marriage are all factors that push individuals into situations of trafficking. Families living in extreme poverty or families in desperate circumstances are more likely to accept risky job offers. When girls aren’t allowed to learn, parents are more likely to sell their daughters to men for marriage. 

Ultimately, harmful social norms and systemic inequity fuel trafficking because traffickers target vulnerability. Traffickers look for people living in poverty, those who are desperate, those without legitimate job options, those without educational opportunities and the ones looking for a way to escape violence.” (Gould, H., 2017) 

 

Resources: 

Gould, H., 2017, UNICEF USA, What Fuels Human Trafficking, https://www.unicefusa.org/stories/what-fuels-human-trafficking 

CRJ322 Human Trafficking, A Hidden Crime, Unit 5.2 DB: T-Visas, Post University

CRJ322 Human Trafficking,  A Hidden Crime, Unit 5.2 DB: T-Visas

 

There are relatively few T-Visas issued annually.  How should the qualifications associated with T-Visas be changed to allow more people access to this resource?  Discuss what changes can be made to this program so that victims of human trafficking are less hesitant to apply for these visas. Evaluate two of your peers’ posts, question the validity of the changes they have identified as being necessary for the T-Visa program.  Discuss how these changes can be implemented. 

Based on what I found about the T Visa program so far, it appears to be in line with helping victims of this crime, including not charging to apply for the application. The process gives clear guidelines for what will happen and who the victim will be working with.  

A T visa, also known as T nonimmigrant status, is a temporary immigration benefit that allows victims of human trafficking to remain in the United States:  

• Purpose: T visas protect victims and help law enforcement investigate and prosecute human trafficking.  
• Eligibility: Victims of severe forms of human trafficking who assist law enforcement are eligible for a T visa.  
• Length of stay: T visa holders can stay in the United States for up to four years.  
• Application: The application for T nonimmigrant status is I-914.  
• Processing time: The waiting time for a T visa is usually 17 to 36 months, but the exact processing time depends on several factors.  
• Eligibility for a Green Card: T visa holders may be eligible for a Green Card if they meet certain requirements, including:  

• Being lawfully admitted to the United States as a T-1 nonimmigrant  
• Maintaining continuous physical presence in the United States for at least three years 

“Efforts need to be made to remove as many barriers as possible in the T visa process to help trafficking victims receive the immigration relief promised by this initiative. The process needs to avoid re-traumatizing victims whenever possible, create resources in multiple languages, and grant temporary work visas in addition to trying to shorten the processing time. With these changes, the T visa will start providing true humanitarian relief for survivors of human trafficking.” (Caplinger, C., 2021) 

 

““There is no fee to file a T visa application. Applicants can also request fee waivers for other forms filed as part of the application, including Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization, Form I-131 Application for Travel Document, and Form I-485 Adjustment of Status, if applicable.” (No author given, 2024) 

 

Resources

Caplinger, C., 2021, Human Trafficking Search, T visas: Intent and Reality- Immigration Attorneys Share Challenges to ‘Humanitarian’ Approach, https://humantraffickingsearch.org/t-visas-intent-and-reality-immigration-attorneys-share-challenges-to-humanitarian-approach/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAi_G5BhDXARIsAN5SX7rriy5kp7ROZ_Si4X8N7-WkGHNXAv_C3fp1kOoK48SDdgSyw4mUo9QaAt1hEALw_wcB 

No author given, 2024, Boundless, T Visas Explained,  https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/t-visa-explained/#:~:text=granted%20T%20status.-,T%20Visa%20Cost,of%20Status)%2C%20if%20applicable a

CRJ322 Human Trafficking, A Hidden Crime , Unit 5.1 DB: A Larger Issue, Post University,

CRJ322  Human Trafficking, A Hidden Crime, Unit 5.1 DB: A Larger Issue

 

There are many different resources available to assist the victims of human trafficking.  Identify one resource which is available in your area and explore the practicality of the resource.  Then, identify one resource which you believe your community would benefit from and explain your reasoning. In response to at least two of your peers’ posts, examine the solutions they have identified and compare these solutions to the ones you identified in your own post.  Examine the similarities and differences. 

California has many programs available to assist victims of human trafficking. This website describes a few. Obviously, each person is different, and their situation is unique. The more services that are offered, the better since some people need more and some people only need one or two services.  

“The Trafficking and Crime Victims Assistance Program (TCVAP) provides cash assistance, food benefits, and employment and social services to eligible non-citizen victims of human trafficking, domestic violence and other serious crimes services. The TCVAP is a state-funded program and is administered by the Refugee Programs Bureau (RPB). RPB provides services to counties and stakeholders throughout California to administer the TCVAP.” (No author given, 2024) 

 

What is missing from the protection of victims from human trafficking is to force them to testify against their traffickers. This puts the victim in a very dangerous place and their family and friends if the trafficker decides to get revenge.  

 

“All too often, law enforcement agents try to coerce survivors into testifying against their trafficker in court, which can be extremely dangerous. They leverage the threat of incarceration and withhold victims’ services to get survivors to testify. In fact, California victims of human trafficking can be denied crime victims’ compensation  just for failing to cooperate with a law enforcement agency in the arrest and conviction of their trafficker.” (No author given, 2024) 

 

 

 

Resources: 

No author given, 2024, California Department of Social Services, Trafficking and Crime Victims Assistance Program, https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/tcvap 

 

No author given, 2024, ACLU, The Facts About SB 14, https://aclucalaction.org/the-facts-about-sb-14/