Social Policy, and Explain How This Policy

¶ … social policy, and explain how this policy impacts individuals and communities. Then explain whether you believe this social policy is for the betterment of individuals and communities. Be specific, and support your answer.

Social policy: Human trafficking

The United States has passed laws at the federal and state levels specifically designed to protect the victims of human trafficking. Persons who are victims can obtain a trafficking visa known as a T. visa, which allows them to remain in the U.S., along with certain specific family members, for up to three years. While holding the T. visa the victim can obtain legal employment and then apply for permanent residency at the end of three years. However, a requirement to obtain the visa is that the victim must comply with "reasonable requests for assistance in the investigation or prosecution of acts of trafficking" (Dovydaitis 2011). Although this sounds relatively modest, many women are afraid to be forthcoming because of fears they will not be protected against their attackers, or that their family members in their nation of origin will be threatened. The law also stipulates that to obtain the T. visa, the victim must "be likely to suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm upon removal," which can also be difficult to conclusively establish (Siskin & Wyler 2010: 25).

The U.S. defines its anti-trafficking approach as one of prevention, protection, and prosecution. "Prevention programs have combined public awareness and education campaigns with education and employment opportunities for those at risk of trafficking, particularly women (Siskin & Wyler 2010: 9). Federal agencies spend an estimated $686 million on international anti-TIP (Trafficking in Persons) assistance over the course of a fiscal year (Siskin & Wyler 2010: 8). Critics, however, contend that insufficient time is spent on the three Rs of "rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration" of victims (Siskin & Wyler 2010: 8). Victims are frightened to come forward, and proactive action must be taken to ensure that they are rescued from their living situations. The laws may not protect them adequately if they fall into a 'grey' area of what constitutes trafficking -- they may have come willingly to the U.S. As illegal aliens, but were lured under false pretences, and found themselves victimized afterward. Although it is tempting to ask 'why doesn't she leave' when a victim goes home to her captor day after day, women perceive themselves as having few options and resources. It is the agencies in charge of policing trafficking that must be aggressive in enforcing the law, and they cannot assume that the victims will 'come to them.'