A web resource for combating human trafficking

United States of America

United States Best Practices

Prevention

Domestic

Governmental
The Be Smart, Be Safe brochures describe the tactics criminal groups use to coerce and traffic women, the risks of trafficking, what women can do to protect themselves against illegitimate groups, what are victims' rights in the U.S., and how women can get help while in the United States.

Protection

Domestic

Governmental
The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, enhances pre-existing criminal penalties in other related laws, affords new protections to trafficking victims and makes available certain benefits and services to victims of severe forms of trafficking. Under this law, one option that has become available to for some victims who assist in the prosecution of their traffickers is the "T-Visa" (see below) that allows the victim to remain in the United States of America.

"T" Visas

The new U.S. "T" visa program for victims of trafficking establishes a procedure for attaining permanent residency status for certain trafficking victims who cooperate with law enforcement agencies to prosecute those responsible for their enslavement. On January 24, 2002, the Attorney General of the United States of America signed a regulation that created the "T" visa. Its creation is a further step in implementing the Trafficking of Victims Protection Act of 2000. The statute allows victims to remain in the United States of America if it is determined that such victims could suffer "extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm" if they are returned to their home countries. After three years under this status, human trafficking victims may apply for permanent residency status in the United States of America. In addition the regulation will allow some victims to apply for non-immigrant status for their spouses and children. Victims under the age of 21 could apply for non-immigration status for their parents.