Ivanka Trump and her father hope to raise awareness about human trafficking…
One of the most horrendous acts still taking place in the modern world is that of human trafficking—the trade of human beings. Young women and children are held against their will and literally sold into slavery. Whether it be for hard labor or the sex trade, human trafficking has always been a booming business.
The conditions for the victims of this crime are usually just as terrible. There is no limit or boundaries to the human trafficking horror. Since the very nature of human trafficking is disgusting, the perpetrators of human trafficking have found many ways to work around the law and remain under the radar. While not impossible to detect, victims of human trafficking rarely have opportunities to flee or reach out for help. That’s where vigilance and awareness come into play.
As citizens of the United States, we often don’t think of such things. Human trafficking seems like a problem that only plagues that back alleys of third-world countries and strange cities that are hard to pronounce. This just isn’t true. There are indeed victims of human trafficking within the United States. Military personnel are given specific training on what to look for as red flags in terms of human trafficking. Places like strip clubs, massage parlors, and even on the streets are among the more obvious locations where one might come into contact with victims of human trafficking. These operations can also be hiding in plain sight, disguised as a legitimate business. A good majority are also using fake or no documentation. These women and children are smuggled into the United States from all around the world, including South America. They’re often promised a job and better life in the United States and then forced into servitude.
President Donald Trump recently held a meeting with a number of organizations that deal with human trafficking, where he vowed to direct more support toward the issue. The President gave a listening ear after his daughter, Ivanka Trump, pushed that action be taken to address human trafficking. Ivanka Trump has been a strong advocate for women and has vowed to use her voice to continue advocating for women’s issues. Having only to turn to her father to address concerns, Ivanka Trump is a valuable asset where women’s rights are concerned. Her husband has even co-founded a charity to fight child exploitation.
Illegal immigration plays a huge part in human trafficking. Many victims fear that they will be harmed if they seek help. They may also feel that since they are not legally in the country, no one will help them. These women and children are especially vulnerable to abuse. While some immigrants who remain in the United States illegally might not be committing violent crimes, there are those who participate in unspeakable acts. Human trafficking is an epidemic that needs to be addressed more often. Discussions are needed about how this crime relates to illegal immigration.
Ivanka Trump has already begun showing how her voice will have an impact where women’s rights are concerned. While some may not agree with President Trump’s politics, this is one issue that deserves awareness across the board.
Angelina Newsom is an OpsLens Contributor and U.S. Army Veteran. She has ten years experience in the military, including a deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. She studies Criminal Justice and is still active within the military community.
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