Myth

All human trafficking involves sex. ​

Only undocumented foreign nationals get trafficked in the U.S. ​

Labor trafficking is primarily an issue in developing countries. ​ ​

Trafficking and smuggling are the same thing. ​

Fact

Labor trafficking often occurs in the following industries: agriculture, construction, landscaping, hotels, domestic work, restaurants, seafood.

Victims of trafficking include U.S. citizens, newcomers with documents, and newcomers without documents. Source. ​

The U.S. Department of State has estimated that 14,500-17,500 people are trafficked into the United States each year to perform bonded or forced labor. Source. Cases of human trafficking have been reported in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. territories. Source.

Human smuggling is distinct from human trafficking: human trafficking is the exploitation of people for the purposes of forced labor or commercial sexual exploitation, whereas human smuggling is when a service is provided, such as transportation or fraudulent documents, to an individual who voluntarily seeks to gain illegal entry into a foreign country. Source.

Signs You May Be at Risk:

🚩 Difficulty or impossibility of leaving a job. 

🚩 Inability to make one’s own life choices, such as where to work, when to take time off, where to live, or how to control their own finances. 

🚩 Lack of control over wages and financial planning. 

🚩 Wages withheld to pay off (real or fake) debt to employer.

🚩 Lack freedom of movement.

🚩 Isolation, either physically or emotionally. Traffickers isolate their victims to control them. 

🚩 Lack of adequate food, sleep, or medical care. 

🚩 Unusual living conditions, especially living where they work. 

🚩 Workplace injuries, physical assault, branding, or tattooing. 
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🚩 Passport and other identity documents taken away.