VETA helps trafficking victims to:

• apply for immigration relief
• access social services including housing, food assistance, medical care, mental health care, education and employment assistance

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In October 2000 the United States Government passed a law which makes trafficking offenses illegal. This new law not only helps prosecutors put the traffickers in jail, but also provides protection for the victims. This law is called the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (TVPA).

Under this new law, victims of human trafficking can be granted 'continued presence' by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE, previously INS) which provides renewable, temporary immigration status from 90-day up to one year increments as well as a work permit. Victims of human trafficking can also apply for specific immigration relief in the form of a T-Visa. T-Visas permit trafficking victims to remain in the United States lawfully, adjust to permanent resident status (get a green card) after three years, and be on their way to citizenship.

Additionally, the Office of Refugee Resettlement at the Department of Health and Human Services issues "certification" that permits victims to obtain benefits equal to those of a refugee, including medical attention, mental health counseling, shelter, food, job skills training, and English language classes. The benefits are available to trafficking victims who are 1) willing to assist with a trafficking case AND 2) have made a bona fide application for a T Visa OR who have been granted continued presence.

These regulations affirm the human rights of victims of human trafficking and help survivors to regain their dignity and independence.

Programs

Metro DC A.C.T.S. - Alliance to Combat Trafficking & Slavery in the National Capital Area

Created with a $1.9 million grant from the Office for Victims of Crime at the U.S. Department of Justice, BPSOS & Ayuda, Inc. formed the VETA-DC Partnership to provide comprehensive services to trafficking victims in the National Capital Region over a three year period.

We are working together to educate the general public, law enforcement and service providers about trafficking in persons and its presence here in the DC area. We are creating a rapid response team that can act immediately to provide emergency services to the trafficking victim. Case workers manage the ongoing social service needs of the victim, and attorneys provide representation in immigration matters.

Metro DC A.C.T.S. exists to serve all immigrant victims of human trafficking in the Metro DC Area.

Human Trafficking Speakers' Bureau

The Human Trafficking Speakers' Bureau of the Washington, DC area is the first speakers' bureau in the US to tackle the issue of Human Trafficking. Members of the Speakers' Bureau educate the public on the issue of trafficking, focusing on trafficking within and to the United States. As an issue that affects every part of American life, raising awareness around the issue of human trafficking is vital. With proper knowledge, the public can assist with victim identification and work to end human trafficking. Members of the Speakers' Bureau, who are members of the community, are the best tools we have for raising awareness because they represent the public and have personal ties to other communities that can be educated about trafficking.

Please contact us for more information about the Speakers’ Bureau, to invite a Speakers’ Bureau member to your event or to find out about Speakers’ Bureau volunteer opportunities