Congressman Pushes For Protections Against Tra cking

From The Desk Of Congressman Chris Smith

WASHINGTON, D.C. – At a congressional hearing, Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th) pressed the top Biden official tasked with combating human trafficking on the Administration’s efforts to stop the exploitation of women and children, especially at the US southern border - where law enforcement officers are now bracing for a surging humanitarian crisis on the heels of ending of the emergency measure known as Title 42.

“Last year’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report issued by the State Department pointed out that the United States continues not to mandate human trafficking screening for all foreign national adults in immigration detention or custody and did not screen for trafficking indicators among the people it removed,” said Smith, who authored the historic Trafficking Victims Protect Act (TVPA) of 2000 that requires the annual report and created a comprehen- sive whole-of-government initiative to combat sex and labor trafficking in the US and around the world.

“The TIP Report recommends screening all individuals in immigration detention or custody for human trafficking indicators,” said Smith.

“Has the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) followed through with the State Department’s recommendation? Are migrants being screened for human trafficking?” Smith asked.

“We agree with you that all migrants should be screened,” said Cindy Dyer, the US Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. “I will have to defer to my colleagues at DHS,” Dyer said. “Certainly, it’s the perfect time to be asking the question.”

Chaired by Smith, the Foreign Affairs Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations Subcommittee hearing examined the Administration’s implementation of the TVPA and featured compelling testimony from a panel of expert witnesses including three human trafficking survivors.

“The United States must not become a safe harbor for abuse of migrant workers,” said Martina Vandenberg, President of the Human Trafficking Legal Center, who testified about a troubling trend where workers are brought to the US with contracts that preclude them from leaving for three years and include steep fi nancial penalties.

“These penalties, mischaracterized as breach fees, can range from $30,000 to $150,000,” Vandenberg said. “These unconscionable contracts effectively trap these workers in debt bondage, making it impossible for them to leave their jobs. The workers are handcuffed by debt, unable to flee. This is the new American kafala system.”

“Force, fraud and coercion were all used by someone who pretended to be my friend, but ultimately abducted me into being trafficked,” said Gina Cavallo, who also shared her own story. “Over nearly two years from the age of 18, I was prostituted, and sold to the highest bidder, and raped over and over again. I became a commodity to be used for others’ gain.”

“I can say with certainty that all who have survived human trafficking, how they are living today, and are able to tell their stories is the embodiment of the strength of the

Ballers & Bookworms Trivia Night

HOWELL – Are you ready to test your knowledge and have some fun? Join Ballers & Bookworms at their first trivia night on June 8th from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Southard Fire Department (4611 US-9,

Howell Township).

Enjoy delicious food provided by Wholly Bowls, compete in three rounds of trivia, and bid on amazing prizes in our silent auction. All proceeds will support Ballers & Bookworms’ mission to provide academic and athletic support to youth from underserved communities. Don’t miss this chance to showcase your smarts and help level human will and human spirit,” said Bella Hounakey, a survivor who was the direct recipient of services offered through the TVPA. “It is a story of more than surviving. It is a story of the power of evil and the human spirit’s refusal to be dominated by it.”

“It is of upmost importance that this esteemed legislative body passes the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Protection and Prevention Reauthorization Act, serving as a vital instrument in the ongoing battle against trafficking in persons and exploitation on a global scale,” said Becky Murray, Chief Executive Officer at One By One. “By reauthorizing this critical legislation, this committee reaffi rms the commitment to the eradication of trafficking and sends a message to the global community that the U.S. is dedicated to leading the way.” the playing field!

Smith, who authored the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2022, said he plans to reintroduce the legislation in the coming days. Last Congress, Smith’s bill passed the House with overwhelming support but was stalled in the Senate.

“If what happened to me could just save one person, it would all have been worth it,” Cavallo said.

Register now and invite your friends! Tickets are $35 per person. Make teams of up to eight people. Register at donorbox.org/events/447195.