The 2020 Trafficking in Persons is primarily a tool of diplomacy, used to help engage foreign governments in efforts to make positive changes that protect vulnerable people and end exploitation. But it is also a good jumping off point for the United States to do some much needed self-examination. 

During COVID-19, temporary changes in regulations to work visas, like H-2A and H-2B, benefit employers but put workers at greater risk of human trafficking and exploitation. Lack of oversight and lack of clear access to crucial information for workers increases the imbalance of power, favoring employers.

Los cambios en los protocolos de visas temporales de trabajo debido al COVID-19 crean más desbalances de poder y ponen a los trabajadores en riesgo de trata laboral.

Since March, the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline has been operated from the makeshift offices of Trafficking Hotline staff. Here, they share some of their experiences and the challenges they face during this unprecedented time.

With stay-at-home orders resulting in more children spending time online and at home, there has been an increase in reports of child abuse, which may also make children more vulnerable to trafficking.

In the case of a landlord soliciting sex in exchange for rent, the implied threat is clear: provide sex or you and your family will be homeless. This is sex trafficking.

Some workers in the restaurant industry are now more isolated than ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This makes them even more vulnerable to human trafficking.

Algunos trabajadores de la industria de restaurantes ahora están más aislados que nunca debido a la pandemia de COVID-19. Esto los hace aún más vulnerables a la trata de personas.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, people in trafficking situations and in prostitution are likely facing worse violence and abuse than ever. The U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline is here to help.

The COVID-19 crisis has exposed systemic abuses that immigrant workers under the H-2A program suffer every year. Any protection aimed to help the agricultural sector should include these essential workers.

As much of the country has begun working at home for some unknown period of time, the very people we trust to care for those homes, and for our loved ones, are facing economic devastation.

Communities more vulnerable to violence, abuse, and exploitation in the wake of this massive, worldwide economic and social disruption may be at increased risk of human trafficking.