We want to think slavery ended in the US with the close of the Civil War. But in many ways, slavery is alive and well here, thanks to a steady stream of victims, both domestic and imported. If you’re playing by the rules, you may have difficulty competing with a business using workers who aren’t paid.
The US Department of Homeland Security states that forced labor involves individuals who are compelled to work through the use of force, fraud, or coercion. This international, federal, and state law crime happens worldwide.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that, as of 2016, 24.9 million people worldwide worked against their will. They usually can’t leave the situation because of language barriers, are physically prevented from leaving the workplace, or fear family members will be punished if they escape.
Who Are The Victims?
Traffickers and employers don’t discriminate. Victims may be young or old, of any race, color, religion, gender identity, or nationality. They may be Americans from the same state or someone originally from across the globe. As a corporate litigation lawyer can share, they often have these characteristics:
- They’re undocumented immigrants
- They don’t speak English
- They lack food, shelter, and safety
- They may be dealing with past trauma, like sexual abuse or a civil war
- They’re addicted to alcohol or drugs
- They have no local social support systems, such as family or friends
- They have physical, psychological, or developmental disabilities
Traffickers target vulnerable people to exploit. They may be recruited through social media or working to pay off a debt to those who smuggled them into the country.
What Are The Signs Of Forced Labor?
There could be many, including the following:
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Living isolated lives in poverty
- Others watch them, so they’re reluctant to talk
- They live in overcrowded, unsanitary, and unsafe conditions
If they’re not a US citizen, they likely entered the US lawfully with a visa. The National Human Trafficking Hotline estimates that trafficking victims often work in these industries:
- Domestic Work
- Agriculture
- Construction
- Illegal Activities
- Traveling Sales Crews
- Restaurant/Food Service
- Hospitality
Human traffickers will exploit whatever market niche they find profitable while maintaining their illegal business structure as our friends at Focus Law LA can explain.
Forced Labor Distorts Markets
A local, well-respected business may be secretly supporting its company with trafficked labor. A local contractor may underbid the competition because its workforce is paid a fraction of the local rate.
Forced labor outside the US provides raw materials and finished products that are illegally imported into the country. This undermines legitimate competition and trade because suppliers benefit from lower costs than their competitors.
What Can I Do?
If you suspect human trafficking and forced labor in your community:
- Submit information to ICE.ForcedLabor@ice.dhs.gov
- Contact the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) tip line at 866-347-2423, or
- Submit an HSI tip form online
If you have any questions about human trafficking or want to help those involved, there are many local and regional organizations tackling this issue. If you need legal help in this area, contact an attorney near you.