Blog Election Issue



Blog Election Issue- Human Trafficking

While I don’t believe human trafficking is a major issue in the upcoming election, I do believe it is a large issue here in Houston. Houston is known for being one of the largest cities with the most trafficked victims and is a hub for this illegal activity. There are several reasons as to why it is prevalent in Houston. First, Houston is located near the Mexican border, which is where most sex trafficking victims enter the United States. Second, Houston has a very diverse population which allows for non-native people to go unnoticed in the streets. Third, Houston’s access to the I-10 highway which runs across the country allows for easy dispersion of people. Fourth, Houston has one of the busiest ports in the world which plays a part in the transportation of these people. Lastly, the demand for the work of the trafficked victims is high. The medical and energy industries along with the hosting of many conventions and sports events in Houston, attract people with money. Thus, leading to an increase in the overall demand of trafficked people. Houston is home to over three hundred illegal sexually oriented businesses and though sex trafficking receives the most media attention and is most commonly reported, labor trafficking is surprisingly more wide-spread. Not only is human trafficking and sexual exploitation in Houston a major issue, but it is happening right in plain sight. Most victims of this illicit trade come from Asia, Mexico, and Central America and can be as young as twelve years old. These individuals are trapped through drugs, beatings, intimidation, and threats to their family back home. With that in mind, this issue does not only affect us socially but also economically. The estimated lifetime cost of minor and youth sex trafficking victims costs the state of Texas around $6.6 billion. Along with that, there is about a $600 million loss in annual wages for labor trafficking victims. With all of this in mind, we must look for possible steps to take to help eradicate the issue.

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