America, Human Trafficking, And Why It Will Never Stop

Human trafficking is a prominent problem within the United States that is often overlooked. The definition of human trafficking is, “Human trafficking - the illegal practice of procuring or trading in human beings for the purpose of prostitution, forced labor, or other forms of exploitation” (“Human trafficking”). People in the United States believe that human trafficking is a problem that occurs in other less developed countries compared to the United States. What these individuals do not realize is that human trafficking occurs on American soil contrary to popular belief. The United States is one of the top three destination countries of human trafficking and human trafficking is a top criminal enterprise across the world (“WEAVE, Inc.”).

Social injustices are an unfortunate part of the world that we live in; it seems that when one injustice has been eliminated, another in this case human trafficking comes to light. Around 1807, the transatlantic slave trade was abolished however, a new type of slavery, human trafficking, is taking over as the slavery of the 21st century. Unlike the transatlantic or ancient slave trade as it is referred because modern day slavery is not limited to only a few countries. This injustice is widespread; it is happening trans continentally (Elechi & Ngwe, 2012).

Human trafficking is a criminal activity that has risen to be the second largest after drug trafficking. According to the International Labor Organization, 21 million people globally are victims of trafficking involving forced labor and sexual exploitation (Merry, 2015). There is no doubt that human trafficking is an evil that requires robust countermeasures to combat it. However, there are popular myths about human trafficking that do not only distorts a proper understanding of the problem but also hampers efforts to combat it. This paper describes two myths about human trafficking and challenges these myths with the aim of creating awareness about the truth surrounding human trafficking for better actions towards combating it.

Human trafficking, or the selling and buying of people, is a well-hidden yet prominent issue within today’s society. It is both an immoral and horrific topic that needs brought to attention and dealt with. When human beings are manipulated into work, sexual servitude, or economic hardship, human trafficking is occurring. In the year of 2006, only one individual is convicted of human trafficking per 800 victims (UNGIFT). By looking at straight statistics, reasons human trafficking happens, and the toll it has on people, it is very clear that this is a major issue that is happening in our world.

Human trafficking is a very secretive act most of the time and most Americans are oblivious to the extent of trafficking situations because they are not informed. To help stop human trafficking, one needs to understand what it is. For starters, traffickers begin by forcing people to go somewhere with them and then manipulating them into forced labor or sex. Anybody can be a victim of human trafficking but children and women are victimized the most. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, fifty percent of trafficking victims are children, eighty percent are female, 70% of

Human trafficking has been entwined into the structure of governments, arms trade, drug trade, and even spreads as far as terrorism. For many years it has been a fact that the money that has been made by selling other humans to the highest bidder. It is also known that the organized crime operations generate one of the most profitable resources to the organization. These organizations use this money for theirs or other’s crime and end up in the hands of drug lords. Drug lords, in order to promote their own business give money to support terrorist groups and activities. Security after September 11, 2001 has recognized human trafficking as a national and international security risk.

Human trafficking exists in several nations all around us. No nation, including the United States is exempt from human trafficking. There may be factors that create unique anti-trafficking issues and obstacles for each nation, but the characteristics are all the same or very similar worldwide. These characteristics are how the trafficking is conducted, how the victims are kidnapped, the percentage of victims, the gender of the victims, and the percentage of each gender in different trafficking situations. The situations include children, adults, male, and female victims. The situations the victims fall into are pornography, forced labor, sex slaves, prostitution, child sex tourism, and many more. These are the issues and key points made by the authors to persuade the reader to agree with their position.

Panigabutra-Roberts, A. (2012, January 1). Human Trafficking in the United States. Part I. State of the Knowledge. Retrieved March 23, 2015, from

Human trafficking is in every state of this nation and in every country across the world. It’s in cities, suburbs, and rural areas; being hidden in plain view; unseen by so many. In 2015, 17,500 cases of sex trafficking were reported in the United States (Chawla). This is only the cases that were reported. It is estimated that there were about 20.9 million cases across the world that never got reported in 2015 (Lize). There are more human slaves in the world today than ever before in history (Straker). The purpose of this paper is to educate the reader on human trafficking in the United States and in the World, and prove how bad it has become.

“People were created to be loved; things were created to be used. The reason the world is in chaos is because things are being loved and people are being used.” --John Green. Human Trafficking is a big problem here in the United States and all around the world (Zhai 2). Trafficking is violent, both emotionally and physically (Hummel “Human Smuggling” 1). There are three major forms of human trafficking: forced labor, bonded labor, and forced prostitution (Petriliggieri 1). Forced Labor is the most common type in the U.S. (Haerens 17). About 17,500 people are trafficked to and from the United States every year (Haerens 16), but there were only 3,000 known cases (Zhai 2). Some critics may say that there are organizations and government programs

Even in the land of the free, there are millions of people oppressed through human trafficking. The problem has not been addressed properly to citizens of America, and tends to be overlooked by many. This article will educate one on a variety of topics, regarding human trafficking in America through peer-reviewed research evidence. The first topic focused on is about who the victims are, how to identify international and domestic causalities, and what types of obstacles one may face, when trying to identify a potential victim. Next, one will learn how victims become involved and the common types of human trafficking. Moreover, the plethora of services for victims, eligibility for assistance, and issues for providing help will

Policies and regulations to combat human trafficking are motivated by diverse concerns; the concern for the humanity of those who are exploited and the concern for the United States’ economy as it participates in the importation of goods from countries who are knowingly active in the various forms of exploitive work. The following policies have been staples in the movement to combat not just a national but a global issue.

The U.S. Department of State reported there’s an estimate of 20.9 million victims of human trafficking. Human trafficking is many occurrences that happen unnoticed anywhere, anytime causing undescribed and inhuman events to the victims. Victims of human trafficking are unable to escape from the life of being raped, beaten, and violated constantly; however, with the support of the government and people around the world, we can help stop it.

Human Trafficking is the illegal act of manipulating humans to engage into sexual acts for money against their will (NHTRC). Human Trafficking has been a extensive conflict throughout our societies among countries. This topic is very crucial because Human Trafficking is considered the modern form of slavery. Due to the global rate of Human Trafficking increasing over the past few years, the United States government is alarmed. The government fears crimes, displacement, and retaliation within families. Human Trafficking has progressed over the past hundreds of years beginning initially with slavery in the 1400s-1600s, to currently rape and smuggling humans from foreign countries. Human Trafficking has become oppressive due to the government’s lack of laws, regulations, and immigration policies, which need enhancements with more specifics to provide further prevention.

Human trafficking is a topic that is not discussed very often in society. Many people fail to realize that human trafficking still exists today. Human trafficking violates basic human rights. It takes away the freedom and security of men, women, and children world wide. The diversity and widespread execution of human trafficking make it difficult to regulate and prosecute.