Be Smart, Be Safe...Don't Become a Victim of the Trade in PeopleOffice to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in PersonsWashington, DC March 15, 2007 PDF version What is human trafficking? Who are the victims of human trafficking? Have you had an interesting offer to work abroad or in your own country?
Often people will answer newspaper advertisements for jobs without knowing that criminals are posing as legitimate business such as:
These are only a few examples of the types of false businesses used by criminals. However, traffickers are not always strangers, oftentimes people are trafficked by someone they know:
Traffickers, who may be either criminal groups or individuals, will promise a job, education or marriage and will offer to handle and pay for the costs of a passport, work permit, and transportation for these women and children. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. What happens next? Victims of trafficking are often placed in unsafe or illegal living or working conditions. Far from home, traffickers or employers force women and children into prostitution, sweatshop labor, or other illegal activities by:
While some people know before hey go that they will be exotic dancers, domestic workers, farm workers or used in prostitution, they may find when they arrive they also suffer isolation and abuse, and are forced to hand over most, if not all, of their earnings to their employers or sponsors. How can I protect myself? Know the address and telephone numbers of your country's embassy or consulate close to where you will be staying. Learn the name, address and telephone number of where you are going. If possible, first call or write to that employer to verify that you will be working there, and ask about your work, pay, and living conditions. Check with a non-governmental organization in your country to help you determine if the person or company is legitimate or trustworthy or, if you are traveling to the U.S.A, contact the consular office at the Untied States Embassy. Most legitimate employers will provide a contract. Do not sign any contracts right away. Read through the document. If there is something you do not understand, take the contract to an attorney, non-governmental organization, or someone you trust. Watch out for language that says the employer will:
Be suspicious if your prospective employer obtains a tourist visa for you to work in the U.S. (see U.S. laws on page 7). Tell your family and friends when you are leaving and give them the address and phone number where you will be staying.
When you arrive at your destination: Do not give your passport to anyone to keep for you! Keep a copy of your passport information in a safe place where only you can find it.
What Should I know About the United States of America (U.S.A.)? If I need help? Persons in the U.S. are protected by and subject to U.S. laws. Call the police if you are in danger or are being hurt. You have the right to be protected. You have the right to a lawyer if you are arrested. If you do not have enough money for a lawyer, contact the local legal aid agency. You also have the right to speak to your embassy or consulate. If you are a victim of domestic violence, you can also get a protection order from the U.S. court that prohibits the abuser from attacking you or contacting you and your family. A victim of crime in the U.S. has rights! Victim assistance programs provide many services such as counseling, emergency shelter, legal aid, and emergency transportation. Call the trafficking hotline: 1-888-373-7888. Translation is available for most non-English speakers.
If you are in danger, dial 911, an emergency number that will get immediate help for you everywhere in the U.S. If you are afraid to got o the police, there are other places where you can get help:
Call your country's embassy or consulate in Washington, D.C. or a major U.S. city. What are the U.S. laws? For traffickers: It is a crime to bring, or attempt to bring, someone into the U.S. at a place other than the port of entry, and to encourage or induce someone to come to, enter, or remain in the U.S. in violation of the law. It is a crime to harbor, conceal, or shield illegal foreigners from detection. Involuntary servitude and slavery are extremely serious crimes under U.S. law. For illegal entry: It is a crime to enter the U.S. without being inspected by a U.S. immigration officer. The penalty is up to two years in prison and deportation. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can deport any person if they are in the U.S. illegally or are involved in illegal activities and deny them re-entry into the U.S. For illegal work: It is illegal to work in the U.S. unless you have a visa which allows you to work, or the ICE has formally authorized the work. To get work visas, you are required to appear personally for an interview before a U.S. Consular Officer (Or an ICE official if you are visiting the U.S. but want to work). Employment visas are reserved mostly for skilled laborers rather than jobs for waitressing, child care, or dancing in nightclubs. If you have questions about the requirements for a work visa, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.For prostitution: Prostitution is illegal in 99% of cities and towns in the U.S. In addition, it is a crime to transport a person or promote his or her use as a prostitute. Transporting a person into the U.S., or across state borders within the U.S., with the purpose of having that person perform as a prostitute or for other illegal purposes is also a crime.
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