People who work outside of their home country are especially susceptible to human rights violations. They are often forced to work in unsafe, unsanitary environments and face abuses that go largely unseen and unreported. Many come to the U.S. as legal residents but have their papers taken from them until they expire. Traffickers then use threats of deportation to prevent their escape.
Children who have migrated from their home country with or without their parents are also at risk. Even if they aren’t put to work, they might have to go with their parents due to a lack of child care and still be exposed to environments that are dangerous for children. The process of migrating and the work they perform can be traumatic. The trauma they experience puts them at a higher risk for health issues. Many children come to the United States as legal residents but have their papers taken from them until they expire. If traffickers are involved, they use threats of deportation to prevent their escape.
Find local resources to support these underrepresented employees.
If you witness or suspect migrant working or another form of human trafficking, please report your concerns to local law enforcement right away.
To report local cases of human trafficking, contact law enforcement near you:
Statistics, news and resources collected by the International Labor Organization.
Learn the basics about human trafficking, find referral sources and download helpful education guides.
Resources, legislation and information to help end human trafficking and support victims as they reclaim their freedom.
Supporting the rights of young people who have been affected by child labor, sexual exploitation or another form of human trafficking.
Find frequently asked questions, fact sheets, news and more from the Wage and Hour Division of the United States Department of Labor.