Follow us here to stay up to date on human trafficking policy, hear about training opportunities and events, and learn more about what’s happening in the anti-trafficking field.
Melinda Smith |
Freedom Network USA Supports the Reauthorization of the TVPA
Yesterday, S. 1311, the Abolish Human Trafficking Act of 2017, was introduced in the Senate by original co-sponsors Cornyn, Klobuchar, Grassley, Feinstein, Corker, Brown, Heller, Wyden, Rubio, Coons and Hatch. Today, Senators Grassley, Feinstein, Cornyn, Klobuchar, Corker and…
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Melinda Smith |
FNUSA Congressional Briefing Addresses Prevention and Services for Survivors
Freedom Network USA (FNUSA) hosted its first congressional briefing on Tuesday April 3rd in Washington, DC. The briefing, sponsored by Representative Don Beyer of Virginia, focused on a comprehensive approach to addressing human trafficking in the United States. FNUSA Executive Director,…
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Melinda Smith |
FNUSA Hosts House Briefing on Preventing Human Trafficking and Supporting Survivors
BRIEFING: Preventing Human Trafficking and Supporting Survivors Tuesday, April 4 12:00- 1:00 pm Cannon House Office Building Room 421 Human trafficking is fueled by root causes including poverty, discrimination, weak worker protections and restrictive immigration policies. Effective prevention efforts must…
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Melinda Smith |
FNUSA Talks Human Trafficking and Immigration Enforcement during Congressional Briefing
Several organizations who support immigrant survivors of violence organized a congressional briefing with bi-partisan support last Friday. Freedom Network USA Executive Director, Jean Bruggeman, was joined by representatives from National Network to End Domestic Violence, President of the Major City Chiefs…
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Melinda Smith |
FNUSA Co-Sponsor House Briefing on Immigrant Victims and Public Safety
Freedom Network USA will co-sponsor a congressional briefing this Friday, March 17, 2017. Executive Director, Jean Bruggeman will sit on the panel and speak to the negative implications that new policy developments and increased enforcement may have on immigrant survivors of human…
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Melinda Smith |
FNUSA Comments on Regulations for J-1 Guest Worker Visa Program
Freedom Network USA (FNUSA) submitted comments to the Department of State on RIN 1400-AD14, Proposed Rule, Exchange Visitor Program – Summer Work Travel, 82 Fed. Reg. 4120 (Jan. 12, 2017) (“Proposed Rule”). These proposed changes would affect immigrants who come to…
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Melinda Smith |
FNUSA Submits Comments to Protect Immigration Relief for Foreign-Born Survivors
Freedom Network USA submitted comments to the Department of Homeland Security regarding the “T” nonimmigrant status last week. These regulations determine whether survivors of human trafficking are eligible for a T Visa, which is the primary avenue of immigration relief…
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Melinda Smith |
Freedom Network USA Condemns President Trump’s Executive Orders
Over the past two weeks, President Trump has acted to directly degrade the safety, health and well-being of the immigrant community, including victims and survivors of human trafficking. Freedom Network USA strongly stands behind the immigrant community in condemning these…
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Melinda Smith |
FNUSA Highlights Labor and Spending for 2017 Trafficking In Persons Report
Every summer the Department of State releases its Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP), the primary tool used to engage foreign governments on the issue of human trafficking. The report ranks countries on a three-tier system based on their dedication to eradicating…
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Melinda Smith |
FNUSA Member, Susie Baldwin talks Health Providers and Human Trafficking
Susie Baldwin explores the ways the healthcare sector can better detect human trafficking, and other forms of violence in this TEDMED talk. A leading expert in the field, she opens with the story of Raffe, portraying how a typical interaction…
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Melinda Smith |
FNUSA Proudly Launches New Website and Branding
Freedom Network USA is celebrating 16 years of services and advocacy for human trafficking survivors in the United States with a whole new look. We are proud to share our new logo, colors and website to better connect survivors, providers,…
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Freedom Network Community |
FNUSA Submits Questions for US Confirmation Hearings
Freedom Network USA submitted comments and questions to the Judiciary Committee last week for three nominee confirmation hearings. If approved, these appointees will have a significant impact on how human trafficking is addressed in the United States. Our hope is…
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Freedom Network Community |
Freedom Network USA Welcomes 2017 Class of Associate Members
After an exciting year of growth, Freedom Network USA is ushering in the new year by welcoming 15 new associate members. With a wide range of experience in the anti-trafficking movement, the group will help carry Freedom Network USA’s vision…
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Freedom Network Community |
Visit to the U.S.: United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons
During December 2016, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons (SRT), Ms. Maria Grazia Giammarinaro, visited four U.S. cities to meet with government and local officials, civil society and grassroots organizations. These meetings addressed the successful progress and…
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brian |
Martin
Martin was 15 years old when he, his mother, and his younger siblings were brought to the US by a relative after his father died. He was told by his relatives that he would have to work off the large…
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brian |
Shandra Woworuntu
Shandra Woworuntu is a survivor of human trafficking and domestic violence. In 2011, she started a survivor leadership program called “Voices of hope” facilitated by Safe Horizon, New York. In 2014, Shandra was appointed by Governor Chris Christie to be…
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brian |
Suamhirs Piraino-Guzman
Suamhirs Piraino-Guzman grew up in Honduras where he was exposed to extreme violence at the hands of his father. When he was 15 1/2, he was kidnapped and brought to America where he was trafficked and sold. When he was…
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brian |
Ana
Ana is an indigenous Mayan woman who was recruited by a woman in her Central American village who promised her a good job in the U.S. When Ana arrived, she was taken to rural Florida, where she began to work…
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brian |
Bukola Oriola
Bukola Oriola is a speaker, author, mentor, advocate, entrepreneur, and consultant on human trafficking. In December of 2015, Oriola was appointed by President Barack Obama to the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking. Oriola is an award winning journalist and…
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brian |
Sarah
While Sarah was being arrested for engaging in prostitution, the undercover officer told her, “If it wasn’t for us finding you, you would be dead.” Sarah was terrified, angry, and defensive. Due to her arrest and the ensuing stigma and shame, she…