The U.S. Response to Labor Trafficking: Where We Stand
Amanda Knapp, MS | September 20 | 3:15-4:15 pm
Topic: Research, Legal | Knowledge Level: Beginner
While human trafficking has been outlawed since 2000, labor trafficking is an area that has not been adequately researched. The actual severity of the problem is unknown as there is no national database for labor trafficking instances. This exploratory research examines the current state of labor trafficking by analyzing current legislation and labor trafficking victims questioning if the United States responds to labor trafficking law. It utilizes Polaris’s twenty-five identified trafficking typologies to evaluate current policy. Through a literature review, current labor trafficking research was examined to find literature gaps. This research found that state governments focus on sex trafficking over labor trafficking, many Americans believe labor trafficking is not a significant concern, and law enforcement does not investigate labor exploitation. In addition, this lack of investigation also contributes to an absence of data. Finally, this research provides recommendations to protect trafficked labor victims by updating legislation through a victim-center approach.
Presentation Objectives:
· Provide an overview of the current problem, main research questions, findings, and implications
· Explain how participants can contact their representative to influence public policy
· Provide policy recommendations for practitioners
· Discuss participants’ views on the emphasis on sex trafficking versus labor trafficking