Human Trafficking is Becoming One of the Largest Criminal Enterprises in the US

1631 Words4 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: human trafficking in america

When the words “human trafficking” are heard, most people have mental images of young girls and women being beaten and abused (Walker-Rodriguez and Hill, 2011). Often times people’s mental images automatically assume that these victims of human trafficking are from Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa (Walker-Rodriguez and Hill, 2011). Unfortunately, human trafficking is a global issue (Jac-Kucharski) and happens everyday in the cities and towns surrounding us. Unfortunately, human trafficking isn’t as easy to recognize as other crimes and requires law enforcement officials and the public to understand what types of signals to look for in a victim.

It is estimated that each year from 14,500-17,500 foreign nationals are trafficked (Force 4 Compassion, Polaris Project). The Polaris Project and Force 4 Compassion found that 161 countries are affected by trafficking. Globally, approximately 50% of those being trafficked are minors, and 80% of the total being trafficked are female (Force 4 Compassion, Polaris Project). 70% of the female victims are forced into sex laboring, leaving only 30% of those females to do labor (Polaris Project). The average age range for a child entering sex laboring is 12-14 (WEDU). One of the biggest reasons for trafficking is that it is hard to identify and traffickers can make a good amount of money per victim. According to the Polaris Project $13,000 is the average amount of money made by each laborer (victim) annually. Although, $13,000 is the average, each laborer can make around $60,000 annually (Polaris Project). Sadly, victims who are recruited into trafficking often don’t live much more than seven years due to the inhumane ways they are treated (WEDU).

Human trafficking has two categories, sex and lab...

... middle of paper ...

.... London, UK: Sage.

Force 4 Compassion. (n.d.). Force 4 Compassion. Retrieved March 7, 2014, from

http://www.f-4-c.org

Jac-Kucharski, A. (2012). The Determinants of Human Trafficking: A US Case Study.

International Migration. 50: 6, 150-165. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2435.2012.00777.x

Logan, TK., Walker, R. Hunt, G. (2009). Understanding Human Trafficking in the United

States. Trauma, Violence and Abuse. January. 10: 3-30,

doi:10.1177/1524838008327262

Polaris Project | Combating Human Trafficking and Modern-day Slavery. (n.d.).

Polaris Project | Combating Human Trafficking and Modern-day Slavery.

Retrieved March 7, 2014, from http://www.polarisproject.org

Walker-Rodriguez, A., Hill, R. “Human Sex Trafficking.” FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin.

March 2011. Retrieved March 5, 2014. (www.fbi.gov)

WEDU. (2013). Too Close To Home. [Documentary]. United States: PBS.

Show More
Related

  • The Pros And Consequences Of Human Trafficking

    808 Words  | 2 Pages

    As victim count continues to rise, its difficult to see how such great numbers of men, women and children are bought and sold every year. Trafficking can be found in many forms, including: prostitution, slavery, or forced labor (Harf and Lombardi, 2014). It wasn’t until the 1980’s that international human trafficking became globally noticed. With the lack of government intervention and control in several nations, and the free trade market, slavery once again became a profitable industry (Harf and Lombardi, 2014). As previously mentioned, easier movement across nations borders is one of the outcomes of globalization. It is also what makes human trafficking so easy today. It is estimated that about 20.9 million people are victims across the entire globe (United Nations Publications, 2012); trafficking accounts for 32 billion dollars in generated profit globally (Brewer, n.d). 58 percent of all human trafficking was for the purpose of sexual exploitation, and of this 55-60 percent are women (United Nations Publications,

    Read More

  • Annotated Bibliography on Sex Trafficking

    825 Words  | 2 Pages

    This study examines the research that initially began on October 28, 2000 and spanned through to October 31, 2009. If a human trafficking case occurred in the US, with the victim being under the age of 18, and at least one arrested, indicted or convicted felon, their case would be filed in the data analysis report. This research resulted in the finding of 115 separate incidents of human trafficking, involving at least 153 victims and 215 felons or perpetrators, 117 (53.4%) of them being convicted of their heinous actions. Each individual case consisted of anywhere between 1 to 9 victims of trafficking. 90% of these victims were females between the ages of 5 to 17 years who were held captive from less than 6 months to 5 years. 25 (16.3%) of these minors were exploited through some type of false promise and 15 (9.8%) were kidnapped. 34 (22.2%) of the victims were abused through com...

    Read More

  • Human Trafficking in the United States

    1373 Words  | 3 Pages

    Human trafficking is an issue that no one really wants to talk about. The media portrays this horrible crime as something that only happens in foreign lands. Americans do not want to believe that something so heinous could happen on our own soil. However when survivors of human trafficking come forward, people are forced to confront the reality that this issue is not that far from home. Some individuals still choose to deny that this is a real issue. However the facts make it extremely hard to deny that human trafficking happens on American soil.

    Read More

  • Human Trafficking in the United States

    939 Words  | 2 Pages

    In 1865 the United States passed the thirteenth amendment of the constitution which formally abolished the practice of slavery in the United States. Over a century has went by since this day, and yet somewhere behind the mask of freedom that our country holds with such pride lingers a hidden trade. This is the trade of modern day slavery that remains prevalent in our country. Despite the freedoms we are granted as a citizen of the United States,- human trafficking is an enormous issue that is often overlooked. In fact very little light is shown on this topic, but the awful reality is there. Every day women, children, and even men are kidnapped, taken from their families, and forced into free labor and sexual exploitation.

    Read More

  • Sex Trafficking, Prostitution And Drug Use

    1588 Words  | 4 Pages

    Sexual exploitation exploits women and provides a vehicle for racism in a “first world” country like America, where victimization rates are disproportionately higher with “third world” women (O'Connor & Healy, 2007). Goodson is an anti-trafficking activist, is director of international programs for Shared Hope International which is an organization who works with victims of sex trafficking. From her experience, many victims are poor and are sexually abused children and young adults who are swayed by the promises of a better life. Once they reach the United States, the victims are psychologically and physically abused. In the United States, victims of international sex trafficking come primarily from South and Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Africa through states such as Florida, California and New York (Goodson, 2006). The U.S. Department of State estimates that about 600,000 to 800,000 people, mostly women and children, are trafficked across national borders annually. Furthermore, it is estimated that 17,500 to 20,000 victims are trafficked into the U.S. annually, with Florida receiving a high percentage of those victims. Although the people who enter the United States are often not legally permitted to enter the United States, Lagon asserts that it is important to note the difference between human

    Read More

  • Most Common Types of Human Trafficking in the US

    873 Words  | 2 Pages

    When it comes to human trafficking gender, race and ethnicity do not matter, anyone could be taken at any moment of the day. It is the third largest criminal organized enterprise in the world (Walker-Rodriguez & Hill, 2011) just below drug smuggling and illegal arms trade. It is the fastest growing crime in the world (Widbin, 2014). Though, slavery has been banned everywhere in the world millions of people are still slaves. Pimps will go after people that vulnerabilities such as immigration status and economic hardships. In 2007 human trafficking made thirty-two billion dollars, that was more than Google, Nike and Starbucks combined (Widbin, 2014). In the 2008 Trafficking in Persons Report, human trafficking is a multi-dimensional threat; it deprives people of their human rights and freedoms, it increases global health risks, and it fuels the growth of organized crime. The United States is one of the top three places for trafficking. There has been a case of human trafficking in every state in the United States (Widbin, 2014). California, New York and Nevada are the three most common states for trafficking. The most common cities are Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit...

    Read More

  • Human Trafficking in China

    2246 Words  | 5 Pages

    Human trafficking is prevalent throughout the world, especially in Asia and more specifically in China but the government and non-governmental organizations (NGO) are taking measures to put an end to it. Human trafficking involves exploitation of human beings; either sexually or by coercing them to work in unfavourable conditions for little pay or nothing at all. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) defines human trafficking as “the acquisition of people by improper means such as force, fraud or deception, with the aim of exploiting them.” Women and children, especially girls between the ages of fourteen and twenty constitute the majority of victims of human trafficking. “China is a source, transit and destination country for human trafficking; the majority of which is internal trafficking” (www.humantrafficking.org).

    Read More

  • Persuasive Speech A Speech On Human Trafficking

    1557 Words  | 4 Pages

    Summary: We see that there are many different aspects and types of human trafficking that everyone should be made aware of. As a whole human trafficking is a lucrative industry raking in $150 BILLION globally. The impact that this industry has on its victims is

    Read More

  • Are Anti-trafficking Initiatives Failing to Identify and Help the Victims?

    546 Words  | 2 Pages

    “Human trafficking coerces and persuades their victims to cross national borders in search of new jobs and better opportunities and after that they are forced into some sort of labor bondage” (At Issue: Human Trafficking 1). Even though trafficking is a problem in almost every country; poorer countries have a bigger problem with it because they are more desperate for work. Just in 2000, the U.S. enacted their first federal anti-trafficking law, called the Victims of Trafficking Protection Act (At Issue: Human Trafficking 1). Trafficking has just begun to receive notice on how big of a problem it actually is. “Proponents of strict anti-trafficking initiatives say that laws and prevention against trafficking are necessary in order to stem the growing tide of large scale organized crime that profits off of smuggling and trafficking” (At Issue: Human Trafficking 1).

    Read More

  • Human Trafficking

    724 Words  | 2 Pages

    Not only is human sex trafficking slavery but it is big business. It is the fastest-growing business of organized crime and the third-largest criminal enterprise in the world (fbi.gov). While the U.S. Department of State estimates that 800,000 – 900,000 people are trafficked across borders annually, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and many other organizations taking the lead to eradicate trafficking put the number above 2 million (feminist.org). On average one in five victims of human trafficking are children. In third world countries the number is even higher. Children are more wanted especially in the work force because of their small hands for working on machinery and untangling lines and nets.

    Read More

  • Human Trafficking In America

    228 Words  | 1 Pages

    Many people are astounded to hear that human trafficking is not just a complication outside of America’s borders and that it is flattering more of an American drawback as intervals go on. Human trafficking has converted into creation's second leading criminal industry, transforming the individual, their dignity and rights as a human being, and humankind. The United States of America is mainly a transfer for trafficking in persons. It is assessed in The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, “that 14,500 to 17,500 people, primarily women and children, are trafficked to the U.S. annually.” This act augments pre-existing illegal disadvantages, offers new defenses and makes accessible certain welfares and aids to victims of trafficking. The Department’s Annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices estimated that from at least 127 countries have found to be harnessed in 137 states. In the United States, for instance, more than 15,000 individuals are enforced into the present day counterpart of slavery every year. An estimated one hundred thousand to three hundred thousand Americans are forced into this each year, as predicted by the national police department. But the collision of human trafficking goes beyond individual victims; it undermines the safety and security of all nations it touches. The U.S. has aided states to enact anti-trafficking regulation, educated law enforcement officials, DAs, border guards and judicial officers, and impeaching traffickers, and protecting targets.

    Read More

  • Human Trafficking Essay

    746 Words  | 2 Pages

    The United States has one of the largest percentages of trafficked humans worldwide, however so many individual are unaware of this issue. As many as 17,500 individuals are thought to be trafficked into the United Stated annually, and some have estimated that 100,000 U.S. citizen children are victims of trafficking within the U.S. (Siskin & Wyler, 2010). Since many cases go unreported, these estimates may be fewer than the actual number of victims in the US. There is substantial evidence that supports the ideology that woman and children from low socio-economic status are most likely targeted (Okech, Morreau, & Benson, 2011), of all the people trafficked each year about 70 percent of women and 50 percent are children that are mainly forced into the sex trade (Human Trafficking Statistics). Among socio-economic problems, the trafficking business feeds on conditions of vulnerability, such as family conflicts, natural disasters, youth, ignorance, gender, social exclusion, political instabil...

    Read More

  • Sex Trafficking

    1718 Words  | 4 Pages

    Sex trafficking is essentially systemic rape for profit. Force, fraud and coercion are used to control the victim’s behavior which may secure the appearance of consent to please the buyer (or john). Behind every transaction is violence or the threat of violence (Axtell par. 4). Just a decade ago, only a third of the countries studied by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime had legislation against human trafficking. (Darker Side, par.1) Women, children, and even men are taken from their homes, and off of the streets and are brought into a life that is almost impossible to get out of. This life is not one of choice, it is in most times by force. UNODC estimates that the total international human trafficking is a $32-billion-per-year business, and that 79% of this activity comprises sexual exploitation. As many as 2 million children a year are victims of commercial sexual exploitation, according the the U.S. State Department.-- Cynthia G. Wagner. (Darker Side, par. 4) The words prostitute, pimp, escort, and stripper tend to be way too common in the American everyday vocabulary. People use these words in a joking manner, but sex trafficking is far from a joke. Everyday, from all different countries, people are bought and sold either by force or false promises. Some are kidnapped and others come to America with dreams of a dream life and job. The buyers involved in the trade will do anything to purchase an innocent life just to sell for their own selfish profit. Many people wouldn’t think of a human body to be something you can buy in the back room of a business or even online. But those plus the streets are where people are sold most often. There are many reasons and causes for sex trafficking. The factors behind sex traffic...

    Read More

  • Argumentative Essay On Child Trafficking

    1652 Words  | 4 Pages

    The “Land of the free” is not so free after all. Human trafficking is the third largest international crime industry after illegal drugs and arms trafficking . Human trafficking is like modern day slavery; it is defined as the loss of freedom to another 's control by force, fraud or coercion. The United States turns out to be the #1 destination for child sex trafficking. I chose this topic because it interested me the most out of all other topics. When finding a topic to do research on, none of the topics left me asking myself so many questions. The fact that i barely knew anything about human trafficking, made me realize that there might be many people out there that are like me. People who probably think that human trafficking rarely happens,

    Read More

  • Argumentative Essay On Human Trafficking

    970 Words  | 2 Pages

    One reason why human trafficking is a serious crime that many people are unaware of is because it secretly takes place in the United States. Between 2007 and 2012, there were reports of 9,298 different cases of human trafficking (Polaris Project). An example of how unknown this topic is is that 41% of sex trafficking cases and 20% of labor trafficking cases were proven to have United States citizens as victims (Polaris Project). And this is only what we know so far. There are thousands of cases that we don’t know about. Many people also don’t know that men, women, and even children are also taken hostage by human traffickers. An example of this would be that out of those 9,298 cases that were reported, women were victims of sex trafficking in 85% of those cases. Men were victims of labor trafficking in 40% of those cases (Polaris Project). Approximately 300,000 children are at risk of being prostituted in the United States (U.S. Department of Justice). Children are even more under the radar than we know about. On average, one in three teenagers on the street will be lured toward prostitution within 48 hours of leaving their home (National Runaway Hotline). For example, two female friends who were minors ran away from home and were prom...

    Read More

More about Human Trafficking is Becoming One of the Largest Criminal Enterprises in the US

Open Document