Human traffickers often target particularly vulnerable people. In some cases, they manipulate and mislead immigrants. They may promise them opportunities in the United States before smuggling them into the country or may take advantage of them when they have already entered the country.
Many people affected by human trafficking feel vulnerable and incapable of asserting themselves. They fear retaliation and an inability to secure legal protection. That is especially true when the people facing hardship are immigrants who may or may not have documentation. Thankfully, there are legal protections in place for non-citizen victims of human trafficking.
There are specialty visas available
Victims of human trafficking may be able to cooperate with law enforcement. They can identify the people who trafficked them and assist with the state’s prosecution of those individuals. When foreign nationals help the government hold human traffickers accountable, they can potentially qualify for U visas. U visas are only available for victims of crime who participate in the prosecution of the perpetrators of those crimes.
Victims of international human trafficking or domestic human trafficking after entering the country may be able to remain in the United States and rebuild their lives here if they secure U visas. They can also potentially have grounds to seek compensation from those involved in trafficking schemes.
Consulting with an attorney familiar with international human rights laws can help people escape dangerous situations, protect themselves and demand accountability. Reaching out to the team at Schonbrun Seplow Harris Hoffman & Zeldes, LLP can help people fight back against violations of their human rights.