Human Trafficking: A Call For Pro Bono Volunteers

Posted on March 14, 2010 by Carlos Batara

Modern day slavery is on the move in Southern California.

A man shot multiple times a few days ago in Moreno Valley, the Riverside Press Enterprise reports, was likely a victim of human smuggling.  The Riverside County incident points to a recent trend noted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials.  Human traffickers are shifting operations from Los Angeles to the Riverside and San Bernardino areas.

The problem expands far beyond Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino.  More help is needed.

What Is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking is the process by which a person is recruited to be controlled and held captive for the purpose of exploitation.  

It involves the use of coercion, deception, or force, and places men, women, and children in slavery or slavery-like conditions.

How Big Is The Trafficking Problem?

Estimates compiled by the Coalition To Abolish Slavery & Trafficking (CAST) show the staggering magnitude of human trafficking:

  • Approximately 27 million people are enslaved around the world
  • It is the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the 21st century - a nine billion dollar industry
  • The majority of victims are women and children.  14,500 to 17,500 persons are trafficked into the U.S. each year.  70% of the victims are women, 50% are children.
  • The U.S. is one of the top three countries for trafficked victims.  California, Texas, and New York are the leading U.S. destinations.
  • About 10,000 women are being held in Los Angeles underground brothels.  This figure does not include those who are involved in domestic work, sweatshops, and other informal industries in Los Angeles.

Uniting To Meet The Challenge

Trafficking cannot be fully understood just in terms of statistics.  Trafficking is about human lives.  Humans living in degrading situations as modern day slaves.

One survivor recently shared her story in a video interview.  She was taken from her hometown at the age of 15, with promises of work in the U.S.   Upon her arrival, she was sold for $200.  She was beaten, raped, and often forced to work 18-20 hours per day until her owner died.

Most trafficking victims lack adequate English skills, financial resources, and identity documents.  Their ability to defend themselves is non-existent.

A few non-profits, like CAST, have emerged to lead the crusade against trafficking.  But the fight is too big for any organization on its own. 

I recently agreed to join the fight.  After participating in a day long course on how to effectively represent trafficking survivors, I decided to help victims on a pro bono basis.

I strongly encourage my fellow bar members in Southern California and other parts of the country to consider helping organizations like CAST.  Trafficking survivors need more allies. 

As an immigration lawyer, fighting trafficking is a worthy endeavor.

Slavery demeans all of us.

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The Two Faces of Immigration

Posted on September 24, 2009 by Carlos Batara

My son was beaten and stabbed a few nights ago.

By a group of young immigrants.

I've spent my career defending immigrants. My commitment faces constant criticism. 

Far too often, news stories tell about immigrants who perform bad acts.  Even friends and colleagues question my values when such events are reported.

I understand their concerns.  But I've seen the positive aspects of immigration in my own life.  From my perspective, the good which flows from immigrant contributions outweighs the bad.

My dad was an immigrant.  My mother had roots in two different countries.  My parents were laborers with little education.  My father spent the early part of his life here as a farm worker, the latter as a dishwasher and kitchen helper for a Chinese restaurant.  My mother worked in factories until her bad back forced her to move into housecleaning.  They made positive contributions to American society.  They were unsung American heroes.

Like many immigrants, they brought a solid moral foundation with them. 

I was raised to use good manners, to be polite and courteous, and to respect my elders.  I was taught to do my best at all times.  I was encouraged to study hard, to work hard, and to help others.  I was taught to obey the law - and not to harm others.

The incident a few nights ago shook the foundations of my world.  My personal views on deportation defense were again called into question.  This time I am the examiner.

The ugly realities about immigration and our society, which, for me, were way out there - are staring back at me.  And they've never been closer.

I'm shocked, hurt, angry, and saddened - all at once.

I suspect some of the youths who stabbed my son feel left out of the American mosaic.  It doesn't excuse their actions.

These types of misguided actions, whether committed by citizens or immigrants, destroy the fabric of society. 

For many immigrants, striving in all the right ways to be accepted into the American community, the negative effects are magnified.

Those who harmed my son did nothing to change the good that my parents accomplished.  But they undermine the efforts of new immigrants who, like my parents, simply want to earn an honest day's wage for an honest day's work. 

One consequence of such heinous behavior is the call for stricter immigration laws.  There are no exemptions.  Worthy immigrants who would benefit from positive reform are forced to continue hiding in the shadows of American communities.

In stabbing my son, these immigrant thugs stabbed all immigrants.

Thank God, I still have my son.

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