Human Trafficking

The Human Cost of Ending T and U Visas for Trafficking Victims
Human trafficking is a pervasive and devastating crime that affects millions of people worldwide, including thousands within the United States. Victims of trafficking endure extreme physical, psychological, and financial abuse at the hands of their traffickers, and for many, the opportunity to escape their situation is rare. The U.S. government has historically provided certain protections, including T and U visas, to trafficking survivors and other victims of serious crimes. However, the proposal to terminate these visas as suggested in Project 2025 could have profound and harmful consequences for victims seeking safety and justice.

Understanding T and U Visas
The T visa was established in 2000 under the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act to provide relief for survivors of human trafficking who assist law enforcement in investigating their traffickers. Similarly, the U visa was created to protect victims of other serious crimes, including domestic violence and sexual assault, who cooperate with authorities.
Both visas offer temporary legal status and a path to permanent residency, allowing victims to rebuild their lives free from the fear of deportation and retaliation from their abusers. “Even the act of filing an application provides vital protection, triggering an internal government alert that prevents abusers from attempting to have their victims deported, a well-known coercion tactic.”

The Consequences of Ending These Protections
If the T and U visa programs were eliminated, the effects on human trafficking victims would be severe, including:

Increased Fear of Reporting Crimes
Victims of human trafficking are often controlled through threats of deportation, especially those who lack legal status. T and U visas offer a legal incentive for victims to come forward and seek help. Without these protections, many victims may remain silent, allowing traffickers to continue their abuse without fear of consequences. Law enforcement agencies have long relied on these visas to encourage victim cooperation in dismantling trafficking networks.
Greater Vulnerability to Retrafficking
Survivors who are denied legal protections are at high risk of being retrafficked. Many trafficking victims have no safe home to return to, especially if they were trafficked from another country. Without legal status, they may face homelessness, poverty, and the inability to work, making them prime targets for further exploitation.
Hindering Law Enforcement Efforts
T and U visas play a critical role in enabling law enforcement to prosecute traffickers. Victims who feel safe and supported are far more likely to provide testimony and assist in investigations. Without these protections, human traffickers would have a much easier time avoiding prosecution, making it harder to combat these crimes effectively.
Psychological and Emotional Toll on Survivors
Many trafficking survivors suffer from severe trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The prospect of deportation or continued legal uncertainty can exacerbate these conditions, making recovery far more difficult. T and U visas provide a sense of security, allowing survivors to access medical care, counseling, and stable employment—critical factors in their healing process.
A Step Backward in Anti-Trafficking Efforts
The United States has been a global leader in combating human trafficking, and the T and U visa programs are seen as key elements of that effort. Removing these protections would not only harm victims but also weaken the country’s standing in the international fight against human trafficking. Other nations may be less inclined to cooperate with U.S. anti-trafficking initiatives if victim protections are rolled back.

Conclusion
The termination of T and U visas would represent a devastating setback for human trafficking victims, leaving them more vulnerable to exploitation, retrafficking, and legal uncertainty. These visas serve not only as a lifeline for survivors but also as an essential tool for law enforcement in dismantling trafficking networks. Without them, the fight against human trafficking would become significantly harder, and countless victims would be left without the hope of justice or recovery.
If the goal is to combat human trafficking effectively, then preserving and strengthening victim protections should remain a top priority.

What Can You Do?

Citizens are urged to contact their representatives in Congress to advocate against the termination of T and U visas, which are vital for the protection of human trafficking victims. The potential elimination of these visas would create a devastating setback, leaving survivors more vulnerable to exploitation, retrafficking, and legal uncertainty. T and U visas not only provide a crucial lifeline for individuals seeking safety and support but also serve as an essential tool for law enforcement in dismantling trafficking networks. The absence of these protections would make the fight against human trafficking significantly more difficult, depriving countless victims of the hope for justice and recovery. If we truly aim to combat human trafficking effectively, it is imperative that we prioritize preserving and strengthening victim protections.

Take Action! Your voice can make a difference. Reach out to your representative and emphasize the importance of maintaining T and U visas to safeguard the rights and well-being of trafficking survivors. Together, we can work towards a more just and supportive future for those affected by human trafficking.

Contact Your Member of Congress