Persuasive Essay On Human Trafficking

“If there is a single theme to this year’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, it is the conviction that there is nothing inevitable about trafficking in human beings. That conviction is where the process of change really begins. That conviction is where the process of change really begins-with the realization that just because a certain abuse has taken place in the past doesn’t mean that we have to tolerate that abuse in the future or that we can afford to avert our eyes.” (John F. Kerry, Secretary of State) Human trafficking is an issue that evades discussion among the general population and is often considered uncomfortable within the public eye. Nevertheless, it is a problem that needs to be faced head on as it continues to spread and

In it’s most common forms it can be found through sex trafficking, forced labor and domestic servitude. The widely accepted and fairly uninformed opinion is that it is only seen as a foreign issue, however it remains a problem much closer to home. Many victims are illegally smuggled into the country through false work or fiancé visas, yet the majority of the issue affects U.S. citizens who are targeted by specific vulnerabilities. The U.S. as one of the world’s major power holders is seen as an example to other nations, and although many initiatives and organizations are working towards fighting the subject, the money allotted each year is considerably low in comparison with other government-funded projects. Informing our nation of this issue is the first step needed towards a better future. Americans fought many battles to end the slavery which plagued our nation, and we largely consider the issue to be no more than a dark part of our history or a problem that only exists on foreign shores. However, hidden in homes concealed by facades of normality, slavery has taken on a different name, but the horrors of the past are far from

To the surprise of many, numerous victims suffer in our own cities, hidden away from view. Some are brought in illegally through visas, primarily from Eastern Asia, but the majority are U.S. born citizens. The United States is often used as a destination for trafficking rings and human trafficking cases because of the fact that it is more profitable and more money can be made through the exploitation. In large cities, victims can be overlooked due to the chaotic fast-paced lifestyles of cosmopolitan areas. 17,000 people are believed to be brought into the U.S. annually, with over 14,000 sex trafficking cases reported within the last 9 years. Up to 300,000 children within our borders are also considered at risk to be sexually exploited. Hotspot destinations include California, Texas, New York and Florida all large states with high numbers in both immigrants and the general population. About 30% of the total cases involve children & more than half of all detected cases fall under forced labor. Out of forced labor reports about 70% are male, yet men only make up 5% of sexual exploitation cases. As of 7 years ago, the top seven countries of foreign victims origin are Thailand, Mexico, The Philippines, Haiti, India, Guatemala and the Dominican