Melinda Smith |
Freedom Network Training Institute Housing Project
Safe and stable housing is a critical resource for survivors of human trafficking as they exit their trafficking situation and continue their journey towards healing and reintegration. As service providers, we often rely on emergency housing resources such as domestic…
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Jean Bruggeman |
FNUSA Call on USCIS to Reverse New NTA Policy
On July 5, the US Citizen and Immigration Service (USCIS) published new guidance that betrays our values and endangers our communities. The new policy gives USCIS new powers and direction to begin deportation proceedings against all applicants for immigration benefits…
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Jean Bruggeman |
Freedom Network USA Leads Broad-based Effort to Protect Legal Representation for Trafficking Survivors
Safety. Freedom. Dignity. Freedom Network USA is dedicated to ensuring that all workers have access to these basic human rights, and that when these rights are violated, survivors access the full-range of services they need to heal. But right now,…
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Jean Bruggeman |
Standing Tall: A Vision of Freedom for Survivors of Trafficking
The Freedom Network USA (FNUSA) is committed to the human-rights based approach to addressing human trafficking. That includes: prioritizing the self-determination and choices of survivors, providing non-judgmental services and support and our shared commitment to engaging in prevention by addressing…
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Melinda Smith |
FNUSA Releases Biannual Member Report
Freedom Network USA (FNUSA) is proud to release the 2018 Member Report. Every other year, we survey our members to learn more about the clients they serve, trends on the ground, and challenges they face. Our 57 members include attorneys,…
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Melinda Smith |
Freedom Network USA Submits Input for Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report
Freedom Network USA (FNUSA) submitted input for the 2018 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report to the Department of State yesterday. Every year the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons releases the report, which is used as the primary tool…
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Melinda Smith |
FNUSA Releases Results on Immigration Enforcement Survey
Freedom Network USA released their findings from an informal survey exploring the impact of increased immigration enforcement on trafficking victims. In collaboration with Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST) and Polaris, we surveyed 147 service providers in 39 states, the…
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Melinda Smith |
Freedom Network USA Supports Visa Transparency Legislation To Combat Human Trafficking
Each year, a half a million low-wage guest workers enter the U.S. on a myriad of temporary work visas. Many of these guest workers are at the mercy of a single employer for both their job and their legal status…
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Melinda Smith |
At Risk Youth: The Importance of Accessible Housing
Homeless youth are at increased risk of being victims of human trafficking. Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and Loyola University, in collaboration with Covenant House, completed the most comprehensive study to investigate the linkage. The report, released this year, found that…
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Melinda Smith |
Fighting the Assault on Immigrant Children
The anti-immigrant rhetoric that has dominated the national narrative over the past year has not just created negative consequence for adults, but also in policies with devastating consequences for children. Freedom Network USA (FNUSA) has addressed several attempts over the…
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Melinda Smith |
Reproductive Rights and Human Trafficking
Freedom Network USA continues to vehemently oppose both legislation and policies that undermine a survivor’s ability to access the full range of reproductive health care. Last week, we joined our allies to submit comments to the Department of Health and…
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Melinda Smith |
Standing Tall: A Vision of Freedom in Times of Change
Across the country people are living in fear. Immigrants are afraid to come forward to report crimes committed against them. They are afraid to cooperate with law enforcement, which only decreases the likelihood that their traffickers will be brought to…
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Melinda Smith |
FNUSA Welcomes Maria M. Odom to Board
Freedom Network USA is thrilled to welcome Maria Odom to its board. The entire FNUSA community is grateful for her service and looks forward to her contributions. Maria M. Odom recently served as the DHS Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman…
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Melinda Smith |
FNUSA Receives Grant to Increase Access to Housing for Human Trafficking Survivors
Freedom Network USA has been awarded $849,980 to improve access to housing for trafficking survivors. The three-year grant will support the Freedom Network Training Institute Housing Training and Technical Assistance Project. The Freedom Network Training Institute (FNTI), the training arm…
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Melinda Smith |
FNUSA Submits Feedback to Protect Trafficked Children
FNUSA submitted comments today in response to a request for feedback from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Trafficking in Persons (OTIP). The agency is attempting to revise the form that must be submitted for children who…
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Melinda Smith |
Reauthorize, Don’t Gut, the TVPA
The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) established the US as a world leader in the fight against human trafficking, using a comprehensive approach that includes prosecution, protection, and prevention. This framework strives to ensure that survivors are identified…
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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 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…