According to the Petrie-Flom Center, Approximately 50 million people worldwide are victims of human trafficking.

Human trafficking is a crime that involves the exploitation of a person through forced labor, employment services, or commercial sexual exploitation, using force, fraud, or coercion.

Who is at higher risk of being victims?

Some of the most vulnerable populations include:

• Immigrants and migrants.
• Children and adolescents.
• People from the LGBTQ+ community.
• People in a situation of the street.
• People with disabilities.
• People with low incomes.

What are some signs that you could be a victim of human trafficking?

• They have suffered physical abuse, threats, or have been detained against their will.
• He or she has no access to their personal belongings, such as their passport or identification documents.
• They feel that another person is controlling their decisions or limiting their freedom.
• They must ask permission to leave or move around, or they are not allowed to do so.
• They cannot access their own money or someone forces them to take on a «debt» in order to exploit it.

What migration options are available to victims?

If you are a victim and does not have a legal immigration status, You should know that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) offers immigration relief to eligible victims.

You can request one Visa T (status of non-immigrant T) or an Visa U (non-immigrant status U), which allows them to live and work legally in the United States for a period of up to 4 years.

Visa T

You may be eligible if you have been a victim of a serious form of human trafficking.

Minors under 18 years They are not required to prove that they collaborated with the authorities in order to qualify.

Visa U

You may be eligible if you have been the victim of certain serious crimes, such as:

• Domestic violence.
• Sexual assault.
• Crimes motivated by hatred.
• Involuntary servitude.
• Other serious crimes covered by the law.

The minor victims of 16 years They do not have to interact directly with the authorities, as a trusted adult can act on their behalf. The same applies to victims who, due to the trauma they have suffered, are incapacitated or unable to act on their own.

Can he obtain permanent residence?

Yes. Both the T Visa and the U Visa can give you the opportunity to apply for one. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) if it meets the requirements set by law.

It is important that you know that there are legal options available to help you, even if you feel that you have no one to turn to. The first step is to recognize the signs of human trafficking and seek help.

If you believe that you or someone you know could be a victim of human trafficking, contact emergency services immediately or a helpline specializing in New Jersey to receive guidance and support.

If you would like to obtain more information about the T and U Visas or about how the USCIS helps eligible victims, you can visit the USCIS website or contact: IACO Immigration and American Citizenship Organization. For more information, call us at 973-472-4648 Ext 1001, or write to us at info@iacoimmigration.org, Or book one virtual consultation.