Initiative Targets Human Trafficking in U.S.

Written by Dwayne Hastings

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--Natalie Grant's introduction to the issue of human trafficking began with an episode of the "Law and Order" television program. The well-known Christian recording artist found it hard to believe the program's story line in which organized crime groups were engaged in the trafficking of human beings.

Since then, Grant has discovered the issue is all too true and has made awareness of the issue the cornerstone of her concerts. The performer appeared in a press conference in Nashville July 17 to announce the launch of a "Rescue and Restore" initiative for victims of trafficking in Tennessee's capital city. It is part of a nationwide effort by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to train and assist individuals to identify victims and help these victims of modern-day slavery.

"Slavery still exists in America, and it's happening right here in Nashville," said Martha Newton, director of the HHS' Office for Refugee Resettlement, during the press conference.

The department is working to develop coalitions in areas of the country where staffers believe human trafficking is prevalent. With a goal of 21 coalitions, the federal group launched the 19th such effort in Nashville.

After drug dealing, human trafficking ties with the illegal arms industry as the second largest criminal industry in the world. It is the fastest growing illicit industry.

Many Americans believe these human rights violations occur only overseas, Newton said, but the reality is that the behavior is taking place in neighborhoods across the United States.

Grant said she saw the issue of human trafficking firsthand on a visit to India. Walking down the street, she saw in a second story window what appeared to be a seven-year-old girl tethered in a cage. Those who were with her on the fact-finding trip said captors often chain young victims in an attempt to break their spirit.

"It is sometimes hard to focus on something that's happening thousands of miles away instead of realizing that it may be happening right next door," Grant said. As a case in point, Grant said a trafficking ring was found operating in an apartment complex just a mile from her Nashville-area home.

Human trafficking targets the "most innocent among us," Grant said, noting it may be "easier to plug our ears and turn away."

Victims of human trafficking are brought into the United States and typically subjected to force, fraud or coercion for the purpose of sexual exploitation or forced labor. This is in contrast to human smuggling, where the individual's consent is normally attained.

Approximately 600,000 to 800,000 victims are trafficked across international borders -- most of them young women and children -- with between 14,500 and 17,500 of these victims brought into the U.S. each year, according to the State Department.

Many victims do not speak English and are therefore handicapped in reaching out for help. "These individuals are held in psychological and physical bondage, terrorized and dehumanized," Newton said.

Many of them believe they are coming to the United States to engage in legitimate business interests, she said. "They were preyed upon in their home country," Newton said.

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 was the first comprehensive federal law addressing the trafficking issue. At its heart, the act focuses on prevention, protection and prosecution.

The act established a T visa for rescued victims of trafficking, which allows them to become temporary U.S. residents. Prior to the act many victims were eventually deported as illegal aliens.

"Until every American understands the issue of human trafficking and how to help those who are enslaved, it is unlikely the victims will be found and rescued in significant numbers," Newton said.

Mark Lagon, the senior adviser on trafficking to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, also appeared at the press conference, noting the United States needs to be an "exemplar" in the effort of contending with this "grossest human rights crime."

As the U.S. government puts pressure on foreign governments to tackle trafficking within their borders, Lagon said the nation itself cannot ignore the issue.

"The U.S.'s global leadership on this issue brings with it a moral and practical imperative to do more here at home," he said.

The key to success in this area is a "close cooperative effort between the government and civil social organizations," Lagon said, with churches playing a key role in the effort to rescue and restore victims of human trafficking.

"Human trafficking victims are often afraid to come forward," Lagon said. "They are afraid of retribution from their exploiters, afraid of being treated like criminals or illegal aliens by authorities."

Yet churches are natural places for victims to flee, Lagon stressed.

The State Department has established a toll-free hotline, 888-373-7888, for victims and for Americans who believe they may have come into contact with a victim.

"At its core it is the buying and selling of human beings," said Craig Morford, then-U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, during the news conference. "That needs to bother us, and it needs to bother us to the point of action."

President Bush appointed Morford acting deputy attorney general of the United States July 19, the second highest position at the U.S. Justice Department.

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