Human Trafficking as a National Security Issue
In my first Position Paper, I concluded human trafficking as a Department of Homeland
Security issue but not one large enough to be filed under national security issues. I stated that,
“Human trafficking diverts focus from other national security threats like terrorism, and shifts
resources, attention, and focus.” I also had incorrectly claimed that due to its personal nature it
needed to be filed under human rights violations instead because it is more of a personal
violation rather than something that is endangering our people. Another reason I believed it was
unnecessary was that I believed that human trafficking and national security are not related, and
that securitization leads to victimization and anti-immigration campaigns. (Patterson, 2023)
Position Statement
I have discovered evidence to refute my earlier paper's argument that human trafficking is
not a national security concern as I have continued to investigate the implications of this issue.
Human trafficking is so much more than just a human rights violation. It is it is an insult to our
universal principles and harms national security, disrupts markets, and rewards terrorists and
transnational criminals. Individuals that target vulnerable groups may employ dishonest hiring
techniques in an attempt to use them for forced labor or exploitation. The capacity of
international organizations to carry out their responsibilities of fostering peace and stability is
also undermined by human trafficking.
Review of Literature
Background of Opposing Position
In my previous position I believed that human trafficking served only to divert focus and
attention from other larger national security risks. I supported this because it required
unnecessary law enforcement engagement and allocated significant time, manpower, and funding
towards investigating and combating this heinous crime. It seemed to detract attention and
resources from addressing other pressing national security threats, such as terrorism, cyber-
attacks, and border security. Human trafficking robs people of their fundamental freedoms and
rights, it violates human rights. Human trafficking victims frequently face coercion into labor or
sexual exploitation against their will, which violates their inalienable right to liberty and self-
determination. The rights of trafficked individuals to safety and dignity are further violated by
the frequent physical and psychological violence they endure. Because of these atrocities I
viewed human trafficking a human rights violation rather than a national security issue. I came to
this conclusion because the facts seemed to point to the fact that this is a very personal issue
making it more private than a national security risk. Lastly, I supported the idea that human
trafficking negatively affected immigration because it put a target on the back of immigrants and
cast a spotlight of suspicion in their direction. This could lead to the false idea that immigrants
were potential criminals or victims of exploitation. (Bouche, 2019).
Supporting Evidence
As I have continued to research human trafficking and its national security implications it
has become clear that it is an issue that does affect our national security. It should be considered
a national security risk because it does seek to not only exploits vulnerable individuals but also
weakens a country's social fabric and economic stability, making it imperative for governments
to address this issue as a matter of national security. (RESPECT, 2019). Human trafficking
weakens a country's social fabric by exploiting individuals, eroding trust within communities,
and undermining the rule of law. Victims of human trafficking often suffer from physical and
psychological harm, leading to long-term trauma and societal mistrust. Communities affected by
human trafficking may experience a breakdown in social cohesion and solidarity as individuals
become isolated and marginalized. Moreover, the prevalence of human trafficking can create a
culture of fear and vulnerability, making it difficult for people to feel safe or seek help. (ILO,
2014). Additionally, the criminal networks involved in human trafficking can corrupt institutions
and undermine the judicial system, further weakening the country's social fabric. It rewards
terrorists and transnational criminals because it is a $150 billion dollar organization. With an
estimated $150 billion in worldwide profits each year, human traffickers are in it for the money.
They allegedly exploit 25 million victims globally, of whom 80% are victims of forced labor and
20% are victims of sex trafficking,Cboth grownups and kids includingCcitizens and noncitizens of
the United States. We know from experience that many cases of human trafficking involve
workers in the service industry and underground economy who have low-paying jobs with few
legal protections, such as nannies or domestic workers in homes, restaurants, massage parlors,
landscaping, construction, and agriculture. (DHS, 2021).
Conclusion
By addressing human trafficking through prevention, protection, prosecution, and
partnership efforts, countries can work towards strengthening their social fabric and promoting a
safer, more resilient society. By combating human trafficking, we can protect our communities
and safeguard our national interests. We can protect our communities and our country by
increasing identification of victims through prevention education. Through prevention education,
we will be able to increase awareness through healthcare workers, hospitality workers, beauty
professionals and so many more who encounter victims every day. By increasing victim
identification through awareness, we will begin the process stopping this heinous crime and
increasing national security in this aspect. (Freedom 424, 2019). Psalm 146:7 says, “Who
executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets the prisoner free”
(ESV). We have a duty to protect our country but that means looking at the people within. God
has called us to execute justice and we can seek justice by fighting for those who cannot fight for
themselves.
References:
DHS. (2021). Countering Human Trafficking Year in Review.
https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2022-02/CCHT%20Annual%20Report.pdf
Department of State. (2023, October 2). Human trafficking - united states department of state.
U.S. Department of State. https://www.state.gov/policy-issues/human-trafficking/
Holy Bible-New International Version, (1973) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?
search=John%2010&version=NIV
Freedom 4/24. (2019). https://www.freedom424.org/
Ieke de Vries; Connor Nickerson; Amy Farrell; Dana E. Wittmer-Wolfe; Vanessa Bouche. (2019).
Anti-immigration sentiment and public opinion on human trafficking. National Institute of
Justice. https://nij.ojp.gov/library/publications/anti-immigration-sentiment-and-public-opinion-
human-trafficking
International Labour Office (ILO), “Estimating the Profits of Forced Labour ,” Profits and
Poverty: The Economics of Forced Labour , 2014, p. 13.
The security implications of human trafficking. RESPECT. (2019).
https://respect.international/the-security-implications-of-human-trafficking/#:~:text=When
%20committed%20by%20security%20forces,of%20promoting%20peace%20and%20stability.
